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Arzuaga Navarro Winery Guide

Cellar Tours Insight — Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.

Winery Overview

Florentino Arzuaga’s ambitious and dynamic vision comes to life in the Arzuaga Navarro winery, which is situated in the renowned Ribera del Duero wine region. Located in the enchanting wine village of Quintanilla de Onésimo, a mere 20-minute drive from the magnificent Peñafiel crusader castle, this esteemed winery enjoys a prime position within the region’s esteemed “Golden Mile.” Quintanilla de Onésimo is renowned for being home to wine superstars such as Vega Sicilia, Pingus, and Viña Mayor, with Arzuaga’s vines intermingling gracefully with those of Vega Sicilia.

The Arzuaga estate occupies an elevated position, offering panoramic views from its perch 100 meters above the meandering river. The vineyards benefit from the idyllic microclimate, characterized by abundant sunshine during the day and cool temperatures at night, ensuring a consistent and even ripening of the grapes. In addition, this arid region boasts an absence of fungal diseases, contributing to the exceptional quality of the wines produced.

The winery’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines shines through in their masterful use of the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grape, the celebrated variety of the Ribera del Duero. Arzuaga skillfully combines and complements it with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, resulting in genuinely magical blends embodying the region’s essence. Our favorite is Arzuaga Reserva Especial, an exceptional red wine that exemplifies the winery’s winemaking prowess. This remarkable blend consists of 90 percent Tinta del País (Tempranillo) and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from centenarian vines rooted in clayey, limestone-rich soil at 900 meters above sea level. Harvested by hand, the grapes undergo careful selection before being gently barrelled without destemming. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in wooden barrels, followed by malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels. The wine is then aged for an impressive 24 months, allowing its flavors to evolve and integrate harmoniously.

Beyond its remarkable vineyards, it has become a leader in wine tourism with hotel accommodation and an excellent restaurant on site; the Arzuaga estate also boasts a unique feature that sets it apart. Adjacent to the winery lies the captivating “La Planta” game reserve, an expansive sanctuary teeming with hundreds of wild boar and stag. The Arzuaga logo, a stag, is a testament to Florentino’s deep passion for these majestic creatures.

 

Ribera del Duero Wine Tour

Ribera del Duero Wine Tour

Explore the history and cuisine of Ribera del Duero on our wine tour. Taste fine wines and classic Spanish dishes while discovering hidden gems. Book now!

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Further Reading

Author

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James Lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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