# Artuke (2023)

- **Producer:** Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo (95%), Viura (5%)
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €14
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 15–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, red cherry, red plum, blossom, violet, bubble gum

## About this wine

Artuke is a red wine produced by Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke in Baños de Ebro, Rioja Alavesa, Spain. The 2023 vintage is a blend of approximately 95% Tempranillo and 5% Viura. The winery is a family-run estate led by brothers Arturo and Kike de Miguel Blanco, who are part of a new generation of Rioja winemakers focused on expressing the unique terroir of their specific plots. They are influential figures in the 'Rioja'n'Roll' movement, which emphasizes wines that reflect their origins and move away from traditional oak-aging classifications. This wine is a 'village wine' that aims to capture the character of Baños de Ebro, prioritizing freshness and early consumption by utilizing carbonic maceration and avoiding strict barrel-aging regulations.

## Interesting facts

- The wine's name 'Artuke' is a portmanteau of the brothers' names: Arturo and Kike.
- It uses carbonic maceration, a technique that emphasizes fruitiness and light tannins.
- A small amount of Viura (a white grape) is blended in to enhance freshness.
- The producers are part of the 'Rioja'n'Roll' movement, focusing on village identity.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and low tannins make it incredibly versatile. Its freshness cuts through richer dishes, while its fruit-forward character complements lighter proteins and vegetable-forward preparations. The low tannin profile means it won't overpower delicate flavors.

## Wine making process

Artuke is produced using carbonic maceration, a technique where whole grape bunches ferment in a carbon dioxide-rich environment. This method emphasizes the wine's primary fruit characteristics, resulting in a vibrant and aromatic profile with soft tannins. Following fermentation, the wine rests for three to six months in concrete tanks, a neutral vessel that preserves its freshness. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Baños de Ebro, cultivated using organic and environmentally friendly viticulture. The winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention, aiming to showcase the unique terroir of the region and the purity of the fruit.