Campo Viejo launches Winemaker’s Art Rioja

Leading Rioja brand Campo Viejo has launched a new premium expression, Campo Viejo Winemaker’s Art, which brand owner Pernod Ricard Winemakers says “celebrates the artistry of the winemaker”.

Launching with the 2011 vintage, the inaugural Winemaker’s Art release is produced from highly-concentrated, 100% Tempranillo grapes sourced from the cooler-climate, high-altitude vineyards of the Rioja Alta region. The wine is matured for 18 months in 70% American and 30% French oak barrels selected by Campo Viejo chief winemaker Elena Adell to preserve maximum fruit character, while lending the wine subtle notes of spice and contributing to the development of smooth, silky tannins.

The result is a contemporary style of Rioja that reflects the unique terroir of the region’s northerly vineyards, as well as the winemaker’s expertise in working with Tempranillo.

Adell says: “I wanted to create an authentic Rioja, a unique Campo Viejo wine – and I have enjoyed total freedom of expression in doing so. In many ways the vocation of the winemaker is not dissimilar to that of the artist. For me, the vineyards of Rioja are my natural canvas, and Tempranillo is the key component of my palette.”

Campo Viejo Winemaker’s Art 2011 is described as a rich, vibrant and expressive wine with beautiful aromatics, generous red and dark fruit flavours, balanced acidity, and a clean, layered finish.

Campo Viejo Winemaker’s Art 2011 will be available from mid-May 2015 exclusive to World Duty Free Group in the UK and Spain, at an RSP of £9.99 and €12.99 respectively.

25 May 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor