Arinzano Hacienda de Arinzano White 2015
Winemaker Notes
In the 16th Century, Mosen Lope de Eulate, a noble and the advisor to the King Juan de Labrit, chose the estate as the ideal site for the construction of his palace. By the 18th century, the property had passed to the hands of the Marquess of Zabalegui, who ordered the construction of a rural mansion where he could enjoy the natural beauty of the estate.
At the turn of the 19th century his children constructed a small chapel dedicated to San Martin de Tours, the patron saint of winemaking. This chapel stood as a final monument to the noble history of this viticultural estate as the pillars of Spanish nobility fell apart and the estate fell into disuse.
Today, the magnificent estate, designed by renowned Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, provides the inspiration for a new brand identity for the Arinzano Estate. It stands out based on the uniqueness of the terroir, its history, art and environment, and the exceptional potential to give life to wines that would be a reference of the highest quality and singular character. The most advanced and careful techniques are used to guarantee an artisanal treatment through the whole winemaking process, and we pursue a viticulture that not only respects, but actually favors the natural environment.
As a result, Arinzano is one of the few estates in all of Spain to be recognized with Pago status, and the first Pago in the North of Spain.
Known for bold reds, crisp whites and distinctive sparkling and fortified wines, Spain has embraced international varieties and wine styles while continuing to place primary emphasis on its own native grapes. Though the country’s climate is diverse, it is generally hot and dry. In the center of the country lies a vast, arid plateau known as the Meseta Central, characterized by extremely hot summers and frequent drought.
Rioja is Spain’s best-known region, where earthy, age-worthy reds are made from Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache). Rioja also produces rich, nutty whites from the local Viura grape.
Ribera del Duero is gaining ground with its single varietal Tempranillo wines, recognized for their concentration of fruit and opulence. Priorat, a sub-region of Catalonia, specializes in bold, full-bodied red blends of Garnacha (Grenache), Cariñena (Carignan), and often Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Catalonia is also home to Cava, a sparkling wine made in the traditional method but from indigenous varieties. In the cool, damp northwest region of Galicia, refreshing white Albariño and Verdejo dominate.
Sherry, Spain’s famous fortified wine, is produced in a wide range of styles from dry to lusciously sweet at the country’s southern tip in Jerez.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
