Spain is home to extraordinary natural waters, but 22 Artesian stands in a category all its own. Every time I pour this water for a tasting, people pause after that first sip. They can’t quite explain it  but they can feel it. Something about it hits differently: the softness, the mineral balance, the clean finish that somehow feels warm and comforting. That’s the charm of 22 Artesian, and today I want to take you beneath the surface of this remarkable Spanish source.

Where This Water Begins

22 Artesian comes from La Rioja, a region most of us associate with wine. But hidden beneath that landscape  nearly 500 meters underground  sits an ancient aquifer that has been slowly filtered through stone, clay, and volcanic layers for centuries. That depth is meaningful. Unlike surface sources or shallow springs, an artesian aquifer this deep is protected from contamination, temperature swings, and everyday environmental disturbances.

This water is naturally pushed upward under its own pressure, which is exactly what “artesian” means. The aquifer flows at a consistent 22 degrees Celsius year-round, which is where the name 22 Artesian comes from. That steady temperature is a sign of a well-protected, stable geological system  the kind that creates naturally balanced mineral water.

What You Taste When You Drink It

This water is rich in calcium, magnesium, and fluoride, all naturally occurring. Because it’s never chemically treated or stripped, these minerals arrive in your glass exactly the way the earth created them.

• Calcium supports bones, muscles, and cellular health

• Magnesium helps digestion, stress response, and hydration

• Fluoride strengthens teeth naturally

• Bicarbonates (also present) support healthy stomach acid balance

Together, they give 22 Artesian a silky texture and a quiet, elegant structure. It has enough character to stand up to food  which makes sense since La Rioja is a world culinary region  but it’s still unbelievably gentle.

The Benefits You Feel

People often tell me 22 Artesian makes them feel hydrated “quicker.” There’s a reason for that. Waters with a balanced mineral profile can help your body absorb water more efficiently. The magnesium and bicarbonates in particular support:

• Better hydration after meals

• Reduced bloating or heaviness

• Smoother digestion

• A calm, grounded mouthfeel that avoids the metallic notes some waters carry

If you’re someone who enjoys a glass of wine, this water is particularly special. The minerals in 22 Artesian interact beautifully with wines  softening acidity, cleansing your palate, and bringing clarity back to the flavors. It’s one of the few waters in the world known for improving the overall wine-drinking experience.

What Most People Don’t Know

The real secret behind 22 Artesian is that this source was protected for thousands of years before anyone ever bottled it. Local communities knew about the spring, but its location and characteristics were considered unique enough that it wasn’t commercialized until modern technology allowed it to be bottled without disturbing the aquifer.

Another little-known fact?
The naturally flowing temperature of 22 degrees Celsius actually helps preserve the integrity of the minerals and prevents the “shock” that can occur when water rapidly changes temperature underground. That’s part of why the water feels so smooth. It has never experienced turbulence.

And here’s something else most people miss: the 822 mL glass bottle wasn’t designed randomly. It reflects wine culture. The size mirrors a wine bottle, encouraging people to serve 22 Artesian with meals, tastings, and gatherings  the same way you’d present a beautiful Rioja red. It’s a nod to La Rioja’s heritage and a reminder: water belongs at the table with pride.

Why You’ll Want This Water at Home

Whether you’re pairing it with dinner, using it as your daily hydration, or just wanting to explore natural waters more intentionally, 22 Artesian is one of the best places to start.

It’s a water for people who love:

• A clean, soft mouthfeel

• Naturally mineralized water

• Beautiful presentation

• Something rare, but approachable

• Waters that tell a geological story

And of course… it’s available exclusively at Salacious Drinks, where you can explore both the still and the sparkling versions. The sparkling in particular has exceptionally refined bubbles that remind many of a delicate cava  crisp, tiny, elegant.

If you want to dive deeper into Spanish waters or build a tasting around terroir, this is the bottle to anchor it.