History Artuke
The family originates from Baños de Ebro, in Rioja Alavesa, but also owns nice parcels of vine in Samaniego, San Vincente de la Sonsierra and Abalos, in Rioja Alta. For us, this estate illustrates perfectly the 'New Rioja'. In 1991, Miguel Blanco decided to vinify his own grapes instead of selling them, and to launch his own brand. His sons were raised on the estate, amongst vines and bottles, and in 2003, Arturo decide quite naturally to join the estate; then, in 2010, it was Kike's turn. The first thing the younger generation did was to launch a detailed study of all the different parcels. They were only bush vines, the most adapted method to withstand the drought and extreme conditions. All the newer plantations are also bush vines. Then the two brothers decided to work in biodynamics, this initiating, with other young winemakers, the Rioja 'n Roll movement. 2016 was the first vintage with which they could work with parcel selections and separate their best crus (Finca de los Locos & Paso las Mañas as first growths and La Condenada et El Escolladero as 'Grands Crus'. But they are sill selling a «vino joven», the Cosechero, a 'village wine', Pies Negros, from their vines in Abalos. In a few years, the have become a reference for anybody interested in the future of the Rioja wines.