Artadi - Rioja DOC - Viña El Pison - Red - 2018

Wine:

The 2018 Red Rioja El Pison is undoubtedly one of the finest vintages in its history. Subtle and elegant, almost mysterious—one might even say austere at this youthful stage—this great wine reinforces its legendary status and promises to reveal its full potential in a few years. With ultra-refined tannins, impeccable balance, and a long, precise finish, it is truly a superb wine. Rated 99/100 by Parker.

Vinification:

Harvested by hand, aged for 9 months in French oak barrels.

Color:

Intense cherry red.

Nose:

Full-bodied at first, then revealing a subtle, elegant aspect through spicy, red-fruit notes.

Palate:

Silky and lively, this cuvée with its refined tannins is harmonious on the palate with a long, pure and precise finish.

Temperature:

Decant before serving, between 16 and 18°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Prime rib, leg of lamb, poultry.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2050.

Robert Parker remains unwavering in his praise: for him, Artadi produces "one of the greatest wines of Spain and the world." Located on 80 hectares in the Basque part of Rioja Alavesa, known as Alava, this estate is among the rare few bodegas to have repeatedly earned the perfect score of 100/100.


This true Spanish institution creates some of the most highly regarded wines internationally, characterized by unmatched elegance and finesse. This legendary quality is attributed to one of Spain's most brilliant and creative visionaries: Juan Carlos Lopez de Lacalle.


His iconic cuvée, Vina El Pison, originates from the vineyard's most spectacular parcel. It was here, in 1945, that his grandfather, Jenaro San Pedro Carrera, planted 2.4 hectares of Tempranillo by hand. The former flax mill that once occupied the site (pison refers to the hammer used to crush the flax) is long gone, but its memory lives on in this extraordinary wine, featuring impeccably smooth tannins and the precise ripeness of fruit that Juan Carlos Lopez so cherishes.