ARTILLERO 2018

ARTILLERO is the perfect expression of Tempranillo from old vines growing on the soils of Rioja Alavesa. Powerful, yet elegant.

Vineyard
A 96-year old vineyard of 1 ha located in Elvillar (Rioja Alavesa) at 600 metres altitude with calcareous clay composition. A mixed plot of Tempranillo, Viura and Garnacha Blanca that only yields 3000 kg per hectare.

Winemaking
The fermentation of the hand-picked grapes is carried out stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeast. The malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels of 225 and 500 litre, where after racking the wine remains another 12 months for ageing.

Character
Black cherry and damson fruit together with the well integrated oak give Artillero its softness. This is balanced by a pleasant acidity and tannin structure, and sweet spicy and herbaceous aroma ́s, which give the wine an interesting bite.

What ́s in a name
The former owner of this vineyard used to be a gunner in the civil war. Artillero (Spanish for gunner) became his nickname. Grateful for the great care he took of the vineyard, now 96-year old, Oxer decided to name both the plot and the wine after him.

Analysis
Alcohol 14,5%
pH 3,7
Residual sugar 0,5 g/l

Acknowledgements
Artillero 2014: 92 points – Robert Parker 2016
Artillero 2014: 92 points – Tim Atkin MW Rioja 2017 Special Report
Artillero 2014: 93 points – James Suckling 2016