Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/780573
{ SOMMjournal.com } 95 S pain PHOTO: MICHAEL MORSE PHOTO: STEVEN MARTINE Manuel Louzada, CEO of the Stoli Group Portfolio and Chief Winemaker for Arínzano/ Tenute del Mundo. Region: Navarra, Vino de Pago Wine: 2008 La Casona de Arinzano Wine: Arínzano 2008 Gran Vino Tinto By regulation, a Vino de Pago (VP) must originate from a "place or rural site with particular soil characteristics and a microclimate that differentiates it and distinguishes it from others in its surroundings." The wines must be produced and bottled on the estate. Because this is a call that only the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture can approve, there are currently only 14 official Vinos de Pago, although three others are awaiting approval. "And we do show unique terroir," explains Manuel Louzada, CEO of the Stoli Group Portfolio and Chief Winemaker for Arínzano. "We have the North Atlantic influence with its distinctively strong winds here in northwest Spain's Navarra region. Elevation rises up to 500 meters, so the soil types vary drastically," notably adding to the vineyards' unique qualities. Much of the Tempranillo is grown on the warmer lower plots. 2008 La Casona de Arínzano (75% Tempranillo, 25% Merlot) is a meaty, broad and generously textured red from vines grown on alluvial soil on top of a clay bed. With the leaner strokes of red cherry from the Tempranillo and ripe, aromatic chocolate and raspberry jam influences from the Merlot, the wine continues to progress with subtleties at each sip. Arínzano 2008 Gran Vino Tinto is 100% Tempranillo, a roundup of dark chocolate, espresso and polished yet chewy tannins, aged 14 months in French oak. Not over-ripe, it possesses gorgeous acidity and concentration of savory and fruit.