Arinzano U.S. Press Jan.-Sept. 2017

June 27, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Pago de Arínzano– The Enchanted Wines of Spain
Lauren Walsh

Spain does something to a person. A foot on her soil, and you might as well surrender your defenses: they
won’t work anymore. I’m not sure what to call it, but her mystical powers of transformation cannot be denied.
Enchantment? Sorcery? Maybe a good dose of each. But what I and many other beguiled visitors have
understood is that the sooner you succumb to it, the better. For Spain will have her way with you eventually,
guiding you to places you only imagined, introducing you to people right out of a novel, and challenging
everything you thought you knew about yourself.

Arinzano Line Up Our May #winestudio line-up Spain does something to a person. A foot on her soil, and
you might as well surrender your defenses: they won’t work anymore. I’m not sure what to call it, but her
mystical powers of transformation cannot be denied. Enchantment? Sorcery? Maybe a good dose of each.
But what I and many other beguiled visitors have understood is that the sooner you succumb to it, the
better. For Spain will have her way with you eventually, guiding you to places you only imagined, introducing
you to people right out of a novel, and challenging everything you thought you knew about yourself. During
our recent #winestudio excursion to Navarra, in northeastern Spain, I had the feeling that Pago de Arínzano
was yet another example of Spain working her magic on mere mortals. We spent each Tuesday night in
June learning about this unique property, nestled between the vineyards of Rioja to the south, and the
majestic Pyrénées mountains to the north. Until now, my experience with wines from Navarra came from
copious copas of Rosado downed at chiringuitos lining the Mediterranean shores. But much like my
experience with Spain herself, those four weeks at Arínzano have forever changed the way I look at things.

In the summer of 2007 I made my first trip to Spain and it changed my life. After two difficult years during
which my personal life was in shambles, I felt broken and hopeless when I arrived. A week’s vacation turned
into a month-long odyssey that reshaped how I saw the world and, more important, myself. I suddenly saw
possibilities where there had been none, and I felt my heart re-open to new people and experiences; truly
a miracle. My creative voice became stronger and pushed me to consider new paths in my professional
life. I attended Spanish language courses for four hours every day. For the first time in my adult life, I
brushed aside my fears and banished the echoes of “should” or “shouldn’t” from my mind. It was Creativity’s
time to take the wheel and drive.

When I heard Manuel Lozada (Director at Pago de Arínzano) speak of his passion for making wine, I was
convinced that he, too, had been shaped by the mysterious power of Spain. He called winemaking the “best
way to express creativity” and explained further:

I’ve always liked the idea of exploring, finding other sources of inspiration and new experiences. (It is) part
of my mantra for life.
–Manuel Louzada, Director, Pago de Arínzano

As a child he dreamed of becoming a doctor but spent summers tagging along with his grandfather who
educated him about wine and its importance in their culture. He learned to taste wine and appreciate the
unique influence of terroir on its aromas and flavors. Over the years his philosophy of winemaking evolved
together with his knowledge, leading him to the conviction that wine is about diversity: that there is honesty
and integrity inherent in making wines that reflect where they come from, that evoke a sense of place.

Louzado launched his first vintage in the Douro in Portugal, a place renowned for its fortified wines. In his
eyes, the still, red wines he made in 1996 were an attempt to “improve quality in a region not known for still
wines.” Apparently he was onto something as 20+ years later, dry Portuguese wines have made quite a
name for themselves. High quality and affordable prices have rendered them perennial favorites among
savvy wine shoppers. These days the family estate boasts olive trees and orange groves rather than
grapes, but the commitment to quality and integrity remains.

His next stop was a stint at Numanthia, located in Toro, just west of Ribera del Duero. Then it was on to
northeast Spain, and the vineyards of Señorío de Arínzano, in Navarra. Tucked between the Ega River and
the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains, the lands of Arínzano benefit from cooler temperatures than most
of the country, thanks to higher elevations and the forceful Cierzo wind that races through the vineyards.
Winemaking dates to the 11th century when nobleman Sancho Fortuñones de Arínzano produced the
property’s first vintage.
In subsequent centuries, the natural charms of the region attracted Spain’s wealthy and powerful, especially
during the hot, dry summer months. Mosén Lope de Eulate, an advisor to King Juan de Labrit, chose the
estate for the site of his palace. Two hundred years later, the property had passed to the Marquess of
Zabalegui, who ordered a rural mansion be built there, so that he could enjoy the wild beauty of the land.
Shortly thereafter, upheavals in Spanish society saw the estate fall into disrepair and its lands repurposed
to producing grains.

It wasn’t until 1988 that the Arínzano Estate was rediscovered. And it’s quite a story:
Though nearly two centuries had passed since grape vines had graced the valley’s gentle slopes, careful
scientific analysis of the climates and soils confirmed what centuries of nobles had learned from experience:
The Arínzano estate had a singular microclimate perfectly suited for the production of the highest quality
wines. The estate was carefully replanted, matching each grape varietal with the parcels best suited for
their cultivation. The historic buildings, which paid homage to winemaking of centuries past, were
rehabilitated and the winery constructed, capable of continuing this tradition into the future.
At the turn of the 21st century, their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain inaugurated the Arínzano
winery, and celebrated the rebirth of a noble tradition more than a thousand years old.
World Wide Fund for Nature Certification
Ever the good stewards of the land, management at Arínzano appreciates that it is the unique environment
around them that makes high-quality wine production possible. The acreage surrounding the vineyards
supports a vibrant and diverse array of native flora and fauna. (The otters who call the Ega River home
serve as friendly mascots for the property.)
To ensure that their viticultural practices furthered these aims, they cooperated with the World Wide Fund
for Nature (WWF) to create The Programme for the Conservation of Nature at the Property of Arínzano, a

sustainable and environmentally responsible agriculture plan. To date, it is the only program of its kind in
the Spanish viniculture sector.
The program is quite rigorous and includes the following:

• Half of the estate is a nature preserve dedicated to local flora and fauna.
• Organic viticultural methods aim for low environmental impact.
• Natural waste water filtration occurs through a series of lagoons.
• Winery was constructed with only certified environmental materials.

Vino de Pago Classification
The vineyards of Señorío de Arínzano have been classified as Vino de Pago, the highest category on the
quality scale of Spanish wines. To date only 14 properties have been awarded the right to label themselves
Vino de Pago, a qualification that requires documentation of a ten-year track record of consistent quality.
In addition, wines must be produced from estate-grown grapes and be processed, aged, and bottled on the
estate.
What distinguishes the Vino de Pago category from the more familiar Denominación de Origen (DO) system
is that under the former the individual vineyards themselves are rated. In contrast, DO regulations apply to
a delimited geographic area and usually include many individual vineyards or estates. One of the
stipulations for a Vino de Pago is that it represent a site with unique soil characteristics and a microclimate
that differentiates it and sets it apart from others in its region.
Louzada’s personal interpretation of Vino de Pago is striking:
As a Pago, the only thing you have to be aware of, in my opinion, is that you’re committed every day to a
unique quality and style. I wake up every morning dreaming of making one of the best wines in the world
and this is what Arínzano is destined to become.
Tasting the Pago de Arínzano Wines
You won’t be surprised to hear that most of the red wines of Arínzano rely on Tempranillo – sometimes in
a blend, sometimes as a varietal wine. And each one we tried was superb! But if I asked you to guess which
white grape they favor, you’d probably think of Verdejo or Viura. Reasonable guesses, but incorrect on both

counts. No, the secret to these white wines is Chardonnay. I know, I know; I was skeptical at first, too. But
that was before I tasted them and was reminded of Spain’s magical powers of transformation.
Here are my tasting notes from our #winestudio adventure at Pago de Arínzano:

2012 Hacienda de Arínzano Red (14% abv; $19.99 SRP)
This wine is a blend of Tempranillo (85%), Merlot (10%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). Color is deep
purplish-red fading only slightly at the edges. It was aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 40% new/60%
second-use. On the nose there are notes of blackberry, vanilla, rosemary, and leather. Flavors reflect the
nose, balancing black fruit with earthy, and herbal elements. In my opinion, a lot of bang for your buck with
this wine.

2008 Arínzano La Casona (14% abv; $39.99 SRP)
Another blend, this time 75% Tempranillo and 25% Merlot. Color is deep ruby red – a bit lighter than the
previous wine. Aromas of cherry-vanilla and black currant mingle with savory meaty notes. Flavors of
cherry, cocoa, and dust. Tannins are smooth and the finish is long. Like the first wine, it spent 14 months

in French oak, 40% new. This such an elegant wine – one that I’d be proud to share with friends but would
rather keep for myself!

2008 Arínzano Gran Vino Red (14% abv; $99 SRP)
Varietal Tempranillo (100%) and what a pleasure this wine is! It spent 14 months in French oak, half new,
half second-use. Color is deep ruby with hints of garnet toward the edge. On the nose I get loads of cherry
with intermittent notes of hazelnut, rosemary, and roasted meat. On the palate more black cherry balanced
by herbs, forest floor, and licorice on the finish. Tannins are silky; acidity is smoothly tart. This continued to
evolve over two hours and was a hedonistic pleasure to consume. It probably has 5+ years to go before it’s
at its peak.
2014 Hacienda de Arínzano White (13.5% abv; $19.99 SRP)
Made from 100% Chardonnay, this wine spent 12 months in French oak (30% new; 70% second-use.) It is
pale lemon yellow in color, fading to almost clear at the rim. On the nose I pick up pretty floral notes and
what I can best describe as Tropical Fruit LifeSavers (anyone remember those?) There’s also some lemon
zest. Intriguing! Flavors of pineapple, lemon, and passion fruit abound, kept honest by the racy acidity.
Texture is smooth and round, with a citrus prickle – the perfect balance. As with the Hacienda Red, this
wine overdelivers for the price.

2010 Arínzano Gran Vino White (13.5% abv; $79 SRP)

All Chardonnay, baby! Aged for 11 months in French oak, 50% of which was new. Color is bright lemon
yellow. Nose is a mix of citrus (lemon and bergamot), tropical fruit (jackfruit, pineapple), and chalk, with a
touch of citrus cream. Very complex and inviting. Flavors follow the same lines, reined in by tart acidity. The
texture is round and soft, a nice counterpoint to the tangy fruit. One of the loveliest Chardonnays I’ve tasted
in quite a while.

The Verdict

Manuel Louzada called winemaking the best way to express his creativity. In the wines of Pago de Arínzano
he has let his imagination run wild, challenging himself to break away from what is expected and chart a
new path. Each year’s vintage redefines what Spanish wine can be and what it can inspire. In this idyllic
corner of Navarra, humans coexist with nature, each supporting the other, painting a landscape in perfect
balance. A place where creative energy is free to work its magic, on whatever project is at hand, to
spectacular results. Not so surprising if you think about it. After all, this is España Encantadora, where all
things are possible!

Many thanks to the folks at Pago de Arínzano, Gregory White PR, and especially Tina Morey at #winestudio
for making these wines available and for creating such a vibrant and interactive wine education forum.
Cheers!

June 5, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Arinzano 2008 La Cosana: Built for the Cellar But Very Enjoyable Now!

Dezel Quillen

Hello Friends, Today’s Quick Sip is Arinzano’s 2008 La Casona, a blend of 75% Tempranillo and 25%
Merlot. I was introduced to this fine producer through the good folks at Wine Studio, your source for
grassroots brand marketing and beverage education. The Arinzano estate is located in northeast Spain, at
the crossroads of Rioja Alavesa and Navarra. The historic estate plays host to structures dating back to the
16th century. In 2007, Arinzano became the first site in northeast Spain to receive Vino de Pago status.
This is Spain’s top-tier wine designation, above D.O.Ca, given to estates and vineyards that show site-
specific growing conditions that impart unique characteristics into a wine. Additionally, all wines must be
grown, produced and bottled on property and meet quality standards.

It is worth noting that this wine was bottle aged for nearly 8 years and released in 2015. And it is important
to understand that a winery holding a wine back for this long is the exception rather than the rule. Arinzano
made the decision to bottle age the wine for the consumer; holding it back until it was deemed ready to
drink. Extended time in bottle helps integrate flavors, develop complexities, and soften any youthful tannins,
among other beneficial things.

Of Arinzano’s three red wines --Hacienda and Gran Vino being
the other two – winemaker Diego Ribbert says “La Casona is an
expression of our terroir: good body and concentration from
Tempranillo; and Merlot for red fruit character.” I can tell you that
the La Casona is drinking nicely right now. And this is a great
opportunity to enjoy a wine with some age on it at a price point
that is reasonable for a wine of this quality and character. For
further information and where you can find this wine, please
check out my tasting notes below.

Arinzano 2008 La Casona (SRP $39): La Casona is a blend of
75% Tempranillo and 25% Merlot. This wine pours a brilliant,
medium-dark ruby color. It is full-bodied and deeply flavorful,
marked by energy and freshness. There are enticing aromas of
blackberry, black cherry, sweet exotic spices, forest floor, and
cedar dust. On the palate, lifted flavors mirror the aromas,
supported by dusty tannins and a firm spine of acidity that really
holds this wine together nicely. It ends with notable grip on the medium-long, finish. Winemaker Diego
Ribbert recommends pairing this wine with barbecue fare; and I couldn’t agree more. This wine has a good
bit of life left, so enjoy a few bottles now and consider some for your cellar. I do suggest letting this wine
breathe for at least 30 minutes in your favorite decanter before serving. Approximately 1,100 cases of this
wine were produced. Region: Navarra, Spain. Other info: ABV 14%, maturation 14 months in French oak
barrels – 40% new, 60% second use, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.

March 13,2017

Circulation 24,500

Arínzano Gran Vino Blanco Chardonnay 2010 Wine Review

By Jeremy Wilson

Chardonnay…what do you say? Drink it on a sunny day? Maybe in the month of May? Okay! Alright, enough
of that. All fun aside, who doesn’t love a well-made Chardonnay? This grape can be made into so many
different styles of wine, and is grown in so many regions of the world. It is beloved by many, and considered
overdone and overrated by some. Either way, a grape this diverse has got to be respected. Even though
Napa Valley has pioneered its own take on what Chardonnay should be, let’s not forget about the old world.
France, yes, the original home of Chardonnay. But what about Spain? A country known for crisp, clean,
hot-weather driven whites. Why would they make heavy, buttery Chardonnay? Well, that is definitely not
always the case. Let’s check out a stunner of a wine from Spain, shall we?
You may have read a previous review we did for Arínzano. They make some really amazing wines, and
they have the honor of being the first Pago in northern Spain. This is a Spain’s most prestigious wine
classification. This time, it is their award-winning Chardonnay they wanted us to check out. Jeff had the
pleasure of tasting it in Houston at the 2017 Rodeo Uncorked recently, as it was presented by the Director
of Winemaking and CEO, Manuel Louzada. Arínzano’s 2010 Gran Vino Blanco Chardonnay was a Grand
Champion, Best in Show.

Now it was my turn to taste this lovely wine. I was excited to pull the cork and see what all the fuss was
about. The wine pours into the glass a golden straw color. The nose is very lovely, and almost delicate.
Notes of lemon, grapefruit, and a wonderful lees component tantalize the senses. The palate is driven by
citrus fruits such as grapefruit, hearty lemon tart, and a tease of melon on the finish. The texture is
smooth and creamy, but not at all buttery. The acidity is refreshing, and would obviously pair well with
Spanish summer dishes. The wine finishes nicely, as it evaporates off the back of the tongue.

Specifications:
• Arínzano Gran Vino Blanco Chardonnay, 2010 vintage
• Winemaker: Manuel Louzada
• Appellation: Rioja, Navarra, Spain, D.O. Pago De Arínzano
• Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay
• Barrels: 11 months in French oak. 50% new barrels, 50% second year barrels.
• Clarity/brightness: Clear/bright, with no detectable flaws, and no evidence of gas or sediment
• Tannins: Low
• Acidity: High
• Alcohol: Medium
• Finish: Long
• Alcohol by volume: 13.5%
• Retail price: 60.00 Euros at the time of review.

My thoughts on this wine are very positive. The aromas and mouthfeel are extremely balanced, and you
can taste the love that went into crafting this beautifully grown wine. It is quite refreshing to find an oaked
Chardonnay that is not an absolute beast, or butter bomb on the palate. I find this Chardonnay to be
pretty, but not at all wimpy. With the acidity as high as it is, there is no reason this bottle should not age
for many years to come. It is only going to get better with age, my friends! Serve cool (not cold) with
tapas, and great friends.

Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.

July 11, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Late Afternoon Boat Ride with Arinzano

Debbie Gioquindo

It’s been quite a crazy spring and beginning of summer for us. We put our boat in the water back in April
where it’s been sitting pretty, and just that, we’ve been so busy, in and out of town that we haven’t taken it
out. The first weekend back we took the boat out for a late afternoon boat ride to end the weekend and
since I missed a week of #winestudio where they featured Arinzano Chardonnay and Rosé I grabbed a
bottle of the Chardonnay to take with us. Confession, this is the first time we took a bottle of wine out on
the boat with us. Maybe it’s because we usually go out and fish, but this Sunday, we went out to burn some
gas, anchor and just enjoy the late afternoon on the bay.

The 2014 Hacienda de Arinzano White is 100% Chardonnay and perfect pairing for the late afternoon boat
ride. We tooled around and anchored in the Delaware Bay off Sunset Beach. Good thing for the Yeti cooler
because it kept the wine nice and chilled. We opened the bottle and just sat there and relaxed. Flavors of
melon, apple and a mix of citrus, lemon and pineapple with a touch of oak filled the glass. I think it’s the
first time I’ve just relaxed in a long time, marveling at the water line and horizon with the glass of Chardonnay
in hand...Thinking damn, I’m lucky.

Earlier on in the week I had the 2016 Hacienda de Arinzano Rosé sitting on my back deck. I know Rosé
wines come in all shades of pink, but this Rosé is really dark. One might at first think it’s a sweet Rosé but
it is a dry wine. Made with 100% Tempranillo the wine had skin contact for 6 to 8 hours and was harvested
at full ripeness which contributes to its dark pink color. The wine had nice acidity with flavors of strawberry
shortcake, sweet cherry and watermelon. This wine paired very well with my BLT with onion. Or has my
friend Sharon informed me it’s a BOLT.

Both these wines are reasonably priced at $19.99. I wouldn’t hesitate to serve them this summer or anytime
during the year.

July 20, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

It’s the Last Week of #TDF2017: Pour Some Rosé and Get Ready for the
Drama!

Lauren Walsh

On Friday, Stage 19 sends the peloton south, toward the sunny fields of Provence and the birthplace of
Nostradamus, famous astrologer and physician. The course route flattens a bit here, giving some relief to
the sprinters who’ve been tortured in the Alps the past few days. Saturday brings a time trial, in which each
rider races alone against the clock. Not thrilling, really, but the landscape of Southern France brings other
reasons to watch. In my opinion, it’s the perfect occasion to pour yourself a glass of refreshing rosé and
toast the riders as they speed by.

Provence is world-famous for its pale pink wines; indeed the word rosé itself transports many of us –
virtually, at least – to the southern shores of France where the Mediterranean beckons us to slow down,
unplug, and enjoy the good life. And while rosé is practically synonymous with the region, there are some
kick-ass pink wines made elsewhere: for example, the Languedoc to the west is a treasure trove of high-
quality wines that represent great values. Spain makes some amazing rosados, too; wines that run the
gamut from simple, Garnacha-based quaffers to sophisticated sippers from Tempranillo. And the good-old
U S of A is no slouch in this department either: think Napa Valley and Mendocino.

Rosé and #WineStudio – A Grand Tradition

I was thrilled to participate in #WineStudio’s June program featuring rosé wines from around the globe. If
you haven’t heard of #WineStudio or its creator, Tina Morey, do please visit the website and learn more:
it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about wines directly from the producers in an interactive forum with
other wine enthusiasts. Each month we delve into a new region, style, or variety – June’s program was all
about rosé.

This was my first rosé rodeo with the group and it’s easy to see why people love it. Start with the promise
of summer and three months of balmy weather to come. Gather together a few wine aficionados and a
winemaker or two, and add some delicious bottles of refreshing rosé. Now there’s a recipe for unabated
joy!

We sampled six bottles in total: three from France; two from California; and one from Spain. Here are my
notes on each:

SPAIN: Hacienda de Arínzano

During May, #WineStudio ventured to Navarra, Spain, to Hacienda de Arínzano, a winery holding the
esteemed Vino de Pago designation. Situated in the northeast between Rioja and the Pyrénées Mountains,
vineyards benefit from cooler climates than in the rest of Spain, which helps retain all-important acidity in
the resulting wines. The estate is certified by the World Wildlife Federation for environmental sustainability,
with substantial acreage set aside for indigenous flora and fauna, including the otters who call the nearby
river home.

To read more about our journey to Hacienda de Arínzano and the incredible wines produced by the estate,
click here.

2016 Hacienda de Arínzano Rosado (13.5% abv; $19.99 SRP)

This is a grown-up rosé or perhaps I should say, Rosado. It’s 100% Tempranillo from a single vineyard
dedicated to rosé production. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Tempranillo-based Rosado before, but I sure
hope this won’t be the last. Its beautiful deep salmon color comes from extended skin contact; intense
aromas of strawberry, citrus, and wet stones mingle with a distinctive floral component that is quite inviting.
On the palate there are red fruit, citrus zest, and a little bitter almond. The bright acidity balances the fruit,
and the texture in the mouth is round and medium+ in body. As far as rosé goes, this wine has it all. Far
from a simple quaff, you could serve this at a fancy lunch with anything from seafood salad to grilled steak.
If you’re looking to impress without trying too hard, open the Hacienda de Arínzano Rosado. People will
think you’re brilliant.

May 10, 2017
Circulation: 5,000

Social Post: Tapas y Tempranillo

Cindy Rynning
Perfect day at the #wineoffice with Manuel Louzada, Director of Winemaking and CEO of Stoli Group’s
prestige #winedivision, Tenute del Mondo. We tasted six beautiful wines from northern Spain’s first DO
Vino de Pago, Arinzano, paired with an array of delicious tapas. Find these wines!!!

May 10, 2017

Circulation: 1,000


Social Post: Tapas y Tempranillo

Jim McMillan


Earlier today in Chicago at Tanta Chicago to meet with Mauel Louzada (winemaker at Finca
Pago de Arinzano from the Navarre region of Spain) and tasting the wines of this first
accredited “Pago” classified vineyard in northern Spain. The #wine was outstanding across all
the price points (a rare happenstance and more on this later). The Peruvian food that paired
with this Spanish wine was outstanding: the empanadas being the best I have ever tasted. (And
I know something about empanadas).

May 10, 2017
Circulation: 6,000

Social Post: Tapas y Tempranillo

Janice Hoppe-Spiers
Arinzano Director of #Winemaking Manuel Louzada hosts a #winetasting and #tapas event today in
#Chicago at Tanta Chicago.
Great wine, food and company! Arinzano winery in Northeast Spain was the first to receive the Pago
designation because of the orientation of the vineyards, climate and soils.