One more Ribera del Duero event beckoned from beyond. This time it was a much smaller event focused on one winery (and winemaker) from the region – Bodegas Arzuaga. The Winemaker event was held at Chelsea Wine Vault (inside Chelsea Market) and was an absolutely tremendous and informative time! The tasting was hosted by Vladimir Garcia (Manager and Wine Buyer for Chelsea Wine Vault) and led by 2nd generation winemaker Nacho Arzuaga.
The winery was founded by Don Florentino Arzuaga in 1980 by acquiring a piece of land in the heart of Ribera del Duero in a town called Quintanilla de Onésimo. That property is now known as Finca La Planta. From 1982 to 1985 the first vines were planted, and in 1993 the first bottlings were marketed under the Arzuaga label. In 1995, winemaker Juan Carlos Martinez took over at Arzuaga after working closely with winemaking legend Mariano Garcia. Arzuaga produces five wines from 150 hectares (370 acres) of their own vineyards, consisting primarily of Tempranillo (called Tinto Fino in this area), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
The tasting consisted of five wines from the winemaker (one of which is from a single vineyard in La Mancha) and it is easy to see why these wines are popular – they are quality, food-friendly wines.
- 2008 Bodegas Arzuaga La Planta (Ribera del Duero) – 100% Tempranillo with smoky, cherry notes with nuances of mocha and vanilla. A fresh, medium-bodied wine with lots of fruit make this a great everyday choice. (~$14)
- 2005 Bodegas Arzuaga Pago Florentino (La Mancha) – A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Graciano provides aromas of chocolate and leather with notes of vanilla and dark red fruits on the palate. This is a great wine if you are looking for an elegant introduction to the wines of La Mancha. (~$19)
- 2006 Bodegas Arzuaga Crianza (Ribera del Duero) – This blend of 90% Tempranillo, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Merlot are from some of the estate’s younger vines. This wine has a wonderful complex bouquet of cedar, and smoky, red and black fruits. This wine is extremely well-balanced and has excellent concentration. This wine will drink nicely through 2020. (~$36)
- 2005 Bodegas Arzuaga Reserva (Ribera del Duero) – This nicely balanced wine is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has a nice balance of fruit and oak. Drink this wine through 2015. (~$60)
- 1996 Bodegas Arzuaga Gran Reserva (Ribera del Duero) – This wine was a real treat! A blend of 90% Tempranillo, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Merlot and is aged for 5 years before release. Ninety-year-old vines produce a wonderfully complex wine with notes of ripe black fruit and a long finish. The terroir is evident in this incredible wine. (~$145)
This was a tremendous event and really emphasizes the quality of wines available in Ribera del Duero (and Spain, in general). All of these wines are available in the U.S. and many are available directly from Chelsea Wine Vault. Ask for Vlad. He is extremely knowledgeable, but be prepared to leave with more than just what you came in for! Enjoy.
Life is short. Drink great wine!
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