Artadi - Vinas de Gain 2022
Price: $44.96
Sale Price: $39.00
| Producer | Artadi |
| Country | Spain |
| Varietal | Tempranillo |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 604053 |
| Size | 750ml |
A Rioja Estate That Chose Independence
Artadi sits squarely in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, farming 56 hectares of vineyards in total. Despite their locaiton in the heart of the region and their use of the region's traditional and authorized grapes they do not claim Rioja on thier labels. It is a deliberate decision because they believe the future of fine wine in the region lies in expressing individual villages and vineyards, not broad regional blends governed by aging categories. Since 1985, and under the leadership of the Lacalle y Laorden family from 1992 onward, Artadi has focused on site over system. Certified organic since 2016 (with organic farming practiced since 2007), they’ve also evolved their cellar practices to favor precision and transparency. It’s not self serving rebellion, it’s a philosophical stand for what they see as terroir clarity.
Viñas de Gain: Laguardia in Focus
The 2022 Viñas de Gain is Artadi’s entry-level “village wine” of Laguardia, drawn from Tempranillo vineyards rooted in chalky limestone soils mixed with alluvial gravel, silt, and clay. These poorer soils naturally limit vigor and intensify expression. The vineyards benefit from a climatic crossroads, continental structure, Atlantic freshness, and Mediterranean warmth. That tension delivers ripeness without excess and structure without heaviness. As a village wine, Viñas de Gain captures the collective voice of Laguardia’s landscape rather than a single parcel, offering a transparent snapshot of place.
2022: Radiant, Structured, and Pure
Based on Tempranillo (some Viura is blended in as well) the 2022 is vinified in open-top wooden vats to encourage gentle extraction and aromatic lift. It then spends 12 months in 225L French barriques, giving shape and subtle spice without masking the fruit. The result is immediately expressive, black fruits, licorice, and hints of chocolate, yet anchored by a vivid red-fruit core. The tannins are mellow but persistent, carrying a natural energy that reflects both the vintage and the village. This is approachable in its youth, but there’s real structure beneath the surface. Viñas de Gain may be considered the gateway to Artadi, but it delivers far more than an introduction, it’s a serious, site-driven Tempranillo!
James Suckling: 93 Points
There is a twist of minerals to the ripe, sappy fruit. Full of generous dark plums and spiced berries, this has medium to full body with tightly wound tannins and a long, structured finish. 95% tempranillo and 5% viura. From organically grown grapes. Drink from 2026.
Wine Advocate: 93 Points
The entry-level red 2022 Viñas de Gaín Tinto comes from a dry and very warm year when they started picking on September 15. As in previous years, it contains a small percentage of white grapes, 2% to 4% Viura. It fermented in stainless steel and matured in 225-, 500- and 600-liter barrels for one winter (about 10 months) and a further year in stainless steel and oak foudre. Tasted next to the 2023, this looks paler and more delicate. It is medium-bodied, fine-grained and tasty. 45,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2023. Starting this year, the plots that used to be bottled separately as a collector's range now go to Viñas de Gaín, which wants to be the new Pagos Viejos.
Vinous Media: 91 Points
The 2022 Viñas de Gaín Pueblos y Parajes reflects a transition toward less oak as it fermented and aged in 600-liter barrels. Purple in hue, with aromas of black cherry and wild herbs, it has subtle green notes from a stressful vintage and a faint touch of oak. Dry and direct, with light, gummy tannins, medium tension and bright acidity, the leafy flavor is another indicator of the vintage. This is an honest, evolving red.
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