How did Bodegas y Vinedos Artadi become legendary in Rioja? While reverence for terroir and organic farming practices have been the bedrock of Artadi's winemaking philosophy, they have not given the winery its iconic status. Rather, it was Artadi's bold decision to go against the rules, break with tradition, and leave the Rioja DOCa so that it wouldn't be confined by the appellation rules when crafting its wines. By forging its own path, Artadi has been able to craft younger and fresher wines in addition to single vineyard cuvées. The results have been nothing short of fantastic.

The 2020 Bodegas y Vinedos Artadi Vinas De Gain is made from 100% tempranillo from Álava, a province in Basque country that is part of Rioja Alavesa. Vinified on open-top wooden vats and aged for 13 months in French oak, it is medium-ti-full-bodied and silky smooth, with well-integrated oak characters, red and black fruits, and accents of vanilla and baking spices. Check out the press!

94 points, James Suckling:
"Dense and broad Viñas de Gain with impressive concentration and compact tannins that give gravity to the palate, showing fine rust to the fresh blackberries, iodine, and fresh violets. I love the power here with the fine-grained, chocolaty tannins. Long and nicely chewy. Tempranillo. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but better from 2024." (8/31/22)

92 points, Wine Advocate:
"This is a blend from some 20 vineyards at various altitudes, keeping the older ones to produce a wine that has complexity and depth, the expression of Tempranillo in Laguardia and Elvillar. It is approachable and pleasant but with complexity and depth. It has ripeness and richness without excess." (2/16/23)