Artesano Vintners Pam I Pipa 2022

In 2016, New Zealanders Mike Shepherd and Alex Craighead embarked on a winemaking venture, founding Artesano Vintners in Spain. With Mike's expertise as a winemaker in Barcelona and Alex's experience as the owner of Don and Kindelli Wines in Nelson, New Zealand, they saw Catalonia's rich resources as an ideal setting for their project.

Their initial offering, produced in the Catalonian regions of Conca de Barberà and Priorat, featured two distinct wines. The first, "La Benjamina," is an ancestral wine, showcasing a deep connection to traditional winemaking methods. The second, "Parellatxa," is a lighter red blend that brings together the varietals Parellada and Garnatxa. These wines were crafted in a modest space within Bodega La Boella.

Artesano Vintners' approach to winemaking emphasizes natural processes. Their production is limited, with only 1200 bottles in total, ensuring a focus on quality and uniqueness. They utilize wild yeasts in the fermentation process and abstain from adding sulfites. Additionally, their wines are unfiltered and unclarified, preserving the natural character and purity of the grapes.

The winemakers also engage in a collaborative project with Celler Comunica in Falset. This partnership has led to the creation of "Miksei," a red wine annually produced from organic vineyards, further showcasing their commitment to sustainable and organic winemaking practices.

Overall, Artesano Vintners stands out for its dedication to crafting small-batch, natural wines that celebrate the rich viticultural heritage of Catalonia, blending traditional techniques with a modern, minimal-intervention approach.

• Cabernet Franc
• Grenache