Why organic viticulture is more than an afterthought for Arínzano
Arínzano Merlot Agricultura Biológica, made from just a single plot on its centuries-old estate, demonstrates how organic viticulture can be central to terroir expression and fine winemaking. The post Why organic viticulture is more than an afterthought for Arínzano appeared first on The Drinks Business.
Arínzano Merlot Agricultura Biológica, made from just a single plot on its centuries-old estate, demonstrates how organic viticulture can be central to terroir expression and fine winemaking.
For many producers, the ‘organic’ designation is a footnote, represented by a discreet logo or a mention on the black label. This is not so, however, for Arínzano: its Merlot Agricultura Biológica wears its winemaking proudly front and centre. In fact, organic production is essential to the identity of both the wine and the estate.
One key advantage of organic viticulture is its nurturing of the land. For Arínzano, acting as custodians of the land is a generational project. The estate dates back to 1055, and has been in the care of monks, aristocracy and, since 2015, the international wine group Tenute del Mondo.
The estate’s quality explains its longevity. The 350 hectares – 128 of which are given to vines – are planted in the north of Spain. It is one of the very few estates in Spain to be recognised as Vino de Pago, a high-quality designation for the most exacting single-estate producers in the country.
The vines sit in a glacial valley around 75 kilometres from the coast, meaning they receive some of the heat associated with inland Iberia. Yet the valleys funnel in cooling breezes from the ocean, resulting in a balanced climate.
The cierzo wind that comes from the north is particularly important. As an unusually dry wind, it dispels humidity and makes the land particularly suitable for organic viticulture.
Arínzano’s terroirs likewise show geological complexity. The dominant components are marl, sand, limestone and limonite from the Neogene era, though older deposits of gypsum and dolomites date back to the Triassic period.
Thus organic viticulture is a means of protecting an ecosystem that long pre-dates anyone working in it. By respecting the land and avoiding synthetic treatments, Arínzano can safeguard it for future generations.
For many producers, the ‘organic’ designation is a footnote, represented by a discreet logo or a mention on the black label. This is not so, however, for Arínzano: its Merlot Agricultura Biológica wears its winemaking proudly front and centre. In fact, organic production is essential to the identity of both the wine and the estate.
One key advantage of organic viticulture is its nurturing of the land. For Arínzano, acting as custodians of the land is a generational project. The estate dates back to 1055, and has been in the care of monks, aristocracy and, since 2015, the international wine group Tenute del Mondo.
The estate’s quality explains its longevity. The 350 hectares – 128 of which are given to vines – are planted in the north of Spain. It is one of the very few estates in Spain to be recognised as Vino de Pago, a high-quality designation for the most exacting single-estate producers in the country.
The vines sit in a glacial valley around 75 kilometres from the coast, meaning they receive some of the heat associated with inland Iberia. Yet the valleys funnel in cooling breezes from the ocean, resulting in a balanced climate.
The cierzo wind that comes from the north is particularly important. As an unusually dry wind, it dispels humidity and makes the land particularly suitable for organic viticulture.
Arínzano’s terroirs likewise show geological complexity. The dominant components are marl, sand, limestone and limonite from the Neogene era, though older deposits of gypsum and dolomites date back to the Triassic period.
Thus organic viticulture is a means of protecting an ecosystem that long pre-dates anyone working in it. By respecting the land and avoiding synthetic treatments, Arínzano can safeguard it for future generations.
Fine wine in mind
Yet Arínzano Merlot Agricultura Biológica is not just about the land. Organic viticulture is integral to making the wine a signature expression of Arínzano. Arínzano has just 18 hectares of Merlot, and this expression is sourced from just one plot: La Muga 5. It sits close to the River Ega, the body of water lending freshness to a variety that can lack structure. With organic viticulture helping achieve concentration, it is therefore a balanced expression that reminds drinkers of the grape’s potential to make world-leading wines. The harvest, like the organic viticulture, aims to protect Arínzano’s natural bounty. Berries are selected by hand, with only the best quality bunches making it to the winery. They are ferried in small, 12 kilogram crates and transported to the winery without crushing, protecting the grapes as much as is possible. After maceration, the must ferments for 15–20 days, with an emphasis on extraction so that the wine is age-worthy and concentrated. It can thus spend 14 months in French oak (half new, and half second use) with the grapes’ intense aromas supplemented by gentle oxygenation and flavours of oak. Through this process, as in the vineyard, Arínzano adopts a policy of minimal intervention. Artificial processes and excessive alterations are avoided; instead, the wine is an authentic expression of this terroir and Merlot’s potential. The rewards come in the glass: a signature, and critically renowned expression. The bottling has won Gold or Master medals at the Global Wine Masters in each of the last three years. This year, visitors to London Wine Fair will be able to sample Arínzano Merlot Agricultura Biológica 2021 as part of the Global Wine Masters selection at the drinks business stand. Patricia Stefanowicz offers her tasting note for the Gold medal-winning wine from The Global Merlot Masters 2025 below.Arínzano Merlot Agricultura Biológica 2021
- Producer: Arínzano
- Region: Navarra
- Country: Spain
- Grape variety: 100% Merlot
- ABV: 15.5%
- Approx. retail price: £55
