Wine Tasting – Arínzano Estate Wines

Tasting a wine is more than what’s in the glass.  Every wine has a back story.  Part of my intrigue for wine is getting that glimpse of where it’s made, the vineyards and soil type, the winery, winemaker and wine making philosophy. Last month #winestudio gave me that glimpse into Arínzano Estate and an opportunity to taste some of their wines.

Arínzano Estate is located in northeast Spain.  The nearest city is Estella on the border between Rioja and Bordeaux in Navarra.  It is less than 30 miles from the city of Pamplona where the Running of the Bulls takes place.  The estate sits in a valley formed at the edge of the Pyrenees mountains with the Ega river running right through the estate.  The Ega river along with the Atlantic ocean provide a unique microclimate allowing the grapes to ripen slowly resulting in grapes of high quality.  The vineyard soils are composed of loams, sand, limestone, limonite, gypsum, and dolomites which contribute a depth of character and complexity in the wines.  Arínzano was the first winery in northern Spain to be awarded Vino de Pago status, a status reserved for single estates that produce wines of terroir excellence and character.  In addition, 2/3 of the estate property is dedicated to a natural preserve which has earned Arínzano a certification by the World Wildlife Foundation.

Tasting Notes –

2012 Hacienda de Arínzano,  85% Tempranillo, 10% Merlot 5% Cabernet Sauvignon   14% ABV  $19.99 SRP
Dark ruby in color with a nose of black cherries and tobacco.  On the palate nice acidity and structure with black fruit and earthy notes.
Food Pairing – Chicken & Eggplant Paella  (Recipe coming soon on Always Ravenous)

2008 Arínzano La Casona, 75% Tempranillo 25% Merlot  14% ABV  $39.99 SRP
Dark ruby in color with aromas of dark cherries mixed with herbal and earthy notes.   Medium body with nice acidity, noted tannins and flavors of black cherry and cassis.
Food Pairing – Chicken and Eggplant Paella (Recipe coming soon on Always Ravenous)

2010 Arínzano Gran Vino White, 100% Chardonnay,  13.5% ABV   $79.00 SRP
Medium gold in color with aromas of flowers, spice and oak. On the palate citrus, brioche and minerals.  Perfect balance of acidity.  Light mouth feel with lingering flavors.
Food Pairing – Smoked Salmon Spread & Peach Field Greens Salad with Burrata, Cumin and Toasted Almonds (recipes coming soon on Always Ravenous)

2008 Arínzano Gran Vino Red, 100% Tempranillo  14% ABV  $99.00 SRP
Dark ruby in color with aromas of vanilla and oak.  Medium body with noted tannins, earthy, leather and black fruit notes.  Linger flavors of black cherries and cassis.

The wine samples were provided by Gregory White PR as part of #winestudio, an educational program organized by Tina Morey. Join the #winestudio conversation Tuesday at 9pm EDT on Twitter.