2016 PIES NEGROS RIOJA Crianza Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke
Artuke Vines
Brothers Arturo and Kike (Artu-ke) are making such great wines in their beautiful corner of Rioja and this 2016 Pies Negro – their Crianza – is another complete gem. The long, cooler summer in 2016 allowed them to pick quite late without any over-intensity or over-ripeness at all. The balance and freshness of this is beautiful and makes it so hard to resist. Just a perfectly poised cleft of deep, dark fruit and a lick of cherry skin. There are beautiful layers of floral aromatics too and clean fresh red fruit. Fun, inviting Rioja from this great family estate that is pushing the boundaries here with their terroir-focused, fresh feeling, bio-dynamic wines. This is a perfect summer red, whether you fire up the coals or are just having a light bite we recommend this beauty with sunshine.
£15.95 per bottle or down to £14.25 as part of any (mixed) case.
This juicy Crianza is named ‘black feet’ (Pies Negros) because of the traditional grape treading they still do here at Artuke. Made mostly from Tempranillo with a dash of Graciano, the fruit is from old vines planted in 1920. This is what gives the superior feel and the fantastic intensity and cut to the flavours. It is a crianza but the oak is so subtle and simply softens the feel and adds a ripe, roundness to the fine tannins as part of the gentle, supple mouthfeel.
This gorgeous summer red is available to order via our website and in our four London shops.
