Artuke Pies Negros 2021

Finer and more fragrant than the 2020 release, Pies Negros is a cuvée of Tempranillo and 15% Graciano from vineyards between 600 and 650 metres in Ábalos. Matured in older oak, it has subtle, stony reduction, aromas of laurel and violet, a spine of racy acidity and redcurrant, plum and summer berry flavours. Great value. 2025-30

I tasted two vintages of most wines, including the village wine from Ábalos, the oldest of which was the 2021 Pies Negros. It fermented with uncrushed grapes and indigenous yeasts and matured in 500-liter barrels for one year, but 10% of the wine was kept in concrete. It has 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.51. It's clean, aromatic and primary, juicy and balanced, with fine and elegant tannins. 65,000 bottles were produced. It was bottled in December 2022.