This February, we were invited to attend the Tim Atkin Exhibitor event in London, a showcase of the very best Rioja wines as highlighted in Tim’s Annual Special Rioja Report. As one of the world’s foremost experts on Spanish wines, Tim Atkin MW brings together top producers from the region, including those in his First, Second, and Third Growths, as well as a selection of ‘Rising Stars’ to watch. With winemakers pouring there wines in person, the event offers an exceptional overview of both traditional and modern Rioja.
Now, If you've been a customer of ours for a while you'll know about the wines of Artuke, mainly because don't stop talking about them but also because if you've tried their wines, you'll know they're worth talking about! So it was no surprise that Arturo Miguel was in attendance of this special event, especially as Tim Atkin regards them as a Rioja "First Growth" and arguably among Spain's most sought-after wines. Artuke is revolutionising winemaking in a region steeped in tradition and we are proud to have been at the forefront of this in the UK, collaborating with the modern-day pioneer for over a decade.
For us, this was a great opportunity to catch-up with Arturo Miguel, one of the brothers who is leading this family-run winery to such success. We took the chance to ask some questions to give you our customers more intel on what Artuke is really about.
- You are known for moving away from Rioja’s traditional classifications. What inspired this decision, and how do you think it benefits your wines?
Many years ago, we chose to move away from traditional classifications because we felt it made more sense to focus on the land rather than how long the wine spends in the barrel. We wanted to concentrate on the vineyards and avoid over-manipulating the vines. We began using larger barrels to allow the wine to express its true character, highlighting the raw qualities of the vintage rather than the ageing process.
- How do your single-vineyard wines, like Finca de los Locos and La Condenada, reflect their specific sites?
We started focusing on single vineyards years ago when we noticed the soils varied across each plot. Our goal is to reflect these differences in the wines, as we believe the soil has a major influence on the wine’s character. Tempranillo is the dominant grape in the region, but each soil type brings out distinct flavours and notes, which allows us to showcase the diversity of the land.
- Are there any recent techniques or experiments you’ve been exploring in the cellar?
At present, we’re returning to traditional methods in the cellar. After finishing my studies, I initially focused on more technical approaches, but after many discussions with my father, who was more traditional, we decided in 2016 to return to a more traditional winemaking style. We now focus on shorter fermentation periods of about six to seven days, avoiding overworking the grapes and instead concentrating on a delicate process that better expresses the vintage and the land.
- What excites you the most about Rioja’s future? Are there any new projects Artuke is working on?
We’re excited by the growth of small projects that focus on terroir, which is exactly what Rioja needs. In recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of interest in these more focused projects, and we’re glad to be part of it. We continue to follow the same philosophy: the same team works the vineyards, makes the wine, and sells it. It’s an exciting time for traditional Rioja, with projects like Lucan and Alle Guevara bringing a fresh twist to the classic Rioja style.
- If you could only drink one vintage of Artuke for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
This is a very tough question, as it’s like choosing between your children! But if I had to pick, it would be the 1991 vintage—the first my parents bottled and sold from their own vineyards. This vintage marked the beginning of Artuke and was a defining moment in the history of our winery.
Shop The Full Artuke, Rioja Portfolio Here
Artuke
Pies Negros
Finca de Los Locos
Paso Las Manas
La Condenada
La Escolledero
Trascuevas
