Carbonic Tempranillo and Viura from Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, Spain; light to medium bodied and dry with notes red plum, blackberry jam, grape bubblegum, and savory herbs, with medium plus acidity, a firm structure, and dry, powdery tannins. Organic and Sustainable

Unfiltered Wine Club, August 2026, 2025 vintage:

"There’s something so undeniably fun about carbonic Tempranillo, and Artuke is a perfect example. Made from 95% Tempranillo and 5% Viura, the grapes are fermented whole cluster using carbonic maceration, a traditional technique in Rioja, Spain, where fermentation begins inside the intact grapes and creates some of the wildly fruity and playful flavors these wines are known for. I got notes of ripe red plum, blackberry jam, grape bubblegum, and savory herbs, with medium-plus acidity, a firm structure, and dry, powdery tannins. Light to medium in body and completely dry, there’s enough structure underneath all that fruit to keep the wine from feeling unserious. Brothers Arturo and Kike (Artu-ke!) de Miguel farm their vineyards around the village of Baños de Ebro in Rioja Alavesa organically and sustainably, with vines growing at high elevations in the region’s    characteristic clay and limestone soils. This is definitely a Tuesday night wine; I would love it with a cheeseburger and fries, meatballs in red sauce, grilled skirt steak, or a big plate of nachos. Roasted red peppers, crispy potatoes, or a tomato and eggplant dish would work beautifully too. I suggest serving this wine a little cooler than room temperature; the fruit will pop while those powdery tannins keep everything in check."