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Juan Carlos López de Lacalle

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description Juan Carlos López de Lacalle Overview

Juan Carlos López de Lacalle is a Spanish winemaker specializing in Tempranillo wines from the Rioja region. He established Bodegas Artadi in 1985 and gained recognition for his dedication to exploring individual vineyard sites rather than adhering to traditional Rioja aging designations. His approach emphasizes terroir expression, making his wines particularly appealing to those interested in nuanced regional variations and a deeper understanding of winemaking’s connection to the land. He caters to wine enthusiasts valuing authenticity and unique stylistic choices.

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Why did Juan Carlos López de Lacalle leave the Rioja regulatory council?

Juan Carlos López de Lacalle famously withdrew Bodegas Artadi from the Consejo Regulador of Rioja in 2015. He made this controversial decision to protest the region's focus on generic aging classifications, demanding instead a focus on single-vineyard terroirs.

What is Bodegas Artadi known for?

Founded in 1985, Bodegas Artadi is renowned for producing highly sought-after, single-vineyard Tempranillo wines. They are especially famous for their *El Pisón* cuvée, which consistently receives top scores from international critics.

Where is Juan Carlos López de Lacalle's winery located?

Bodegas Artadi is located in Laguardia, a town in the Álava province of the Rioja Alavesa region. The winery operates based on a philosophy of viticulture that emphasizes the unique microclimates of this high-altitude area.

Does Juan Carlos López de Lacalle make wine outside of Rioja?

Yes, besides his work in Rioja, Juan Carlos López de Lacalle also established projects in other prominent Spanish wine regions. He founded Bodegas Artazu in Navarra to focus on Garnacha and Bodegas Pintia in the Toro region.