Top cuisine and fine wines - they go hand in hand. So it's no wonder that top restaurateur Gonzalo Antón had the desire to try his hand at running his own winery, and so he founded Bodega Izadi in the Rioja sub-region of Alavesa in 1987. This was the starting signal for the Artevino association, as the whole family soon became involved in viticulture and wine production, founding not only Izadi but also Bodega Orben in Rioja, Finca Villacreces in the Ribera del Duero and most recently Bodegas Vetus in the up-and-coming Toro region. Izadi naturally cultivates the classic Rioja varieties Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano, but also the rare, indigenous variety Maturana Tinta. They all find the best conditions on the calcareous clay soils of the Alavesa plateau at an altitude of more than 700 meters above sea level. Gonzalo Antón practices sustainable viticulture and the conversion to organic farming is in full swing. Izadi scored a major coup with the appointment of icon winemaker Mariano Garcia, the Vega Sicilia legend par excellence, who trained the oenological staff from 1995 to 2001, which is still evident in the wines today. Izadi wines subsequently became increasingly popular in Spain's top gastronomy, from where they then began their triumphal march around the globe. The renowned wine magazine "Wine and Spirits" now ranks Bodegas Izadi among the 100 best wineries in the world. The Spanish royal family also became aware of the wines and served the top wine "El Regulo" from Bodegas Izadi on the occasion of Prince Felipe's coronation celebrations. And it comes from a small Tempranillo vineyard, just 3 hectares in size and planted with vines that are almost 90 years old. Overall, Rioja lovers praise the high quality class at measured prices.
