CIV USA

WINERY BACKGROUND
Viña Arnaiz is located in the town of Haza in Burgos, the heart of the Ribera del Duero D.O. Completed in 2004, Viña Arnaiz is a stunning facility, combining the latest in state-of-the-art technology while maintaining its sense of place and history. The wines produced are aged in American and French (Allier, Nevers, and Limousin) oak barrels.

A 7,000 m2 cellar is being built with the latest technology. However, the vineyard surrounding it is being carefully respected so as to keep the fruit quality unaltered. The cellar holds 4,000 American, Allier, Never and Limousine oak barrels that provide each of the harvests with the calm rest required until bottling and later vintage at constant temperature. The cellar capacity is being designed to hold 1 million bottles. A parallel, proportional increase of the crop is also planned. Our brands are: Arnaiz and Arribeno

THE VINEYARDS

The estate-owned vineyards consist of 100 acres planted to Tinta del Pais, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes. Arnaiz gives name to the plantation located in the county of Haza (Burgos), in the heart of Ribera del Duero. The 40 hectares of vineyards grow in a lightly sloped land. Varieties: include Tempranillo/Tinta del Pais, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

VINIFICATION

The Ribera del Duero region experiences many extremes in temperature and weather. It can be described as a mixture of both Continental and Mediterranean climates, with moderate rainfall, dry summers, and long, harsh winters reaching as low as 0°F. Yields are kept to less than 2 tons per acre, capturing maximum concentration of flavors from this unique terroir. Harvest, which is done by hand, usually occurs during the beginning to mid October. The harvest from each of the estate’s lots is treated separately, until the wine maker determines his blend for each level of aging. As the D.O. requires, the Crianza will age for a minimum of 1 year in oak, and must contain at least 75% Tempranillo.

THE STYLE

Each wine from Vina Arnaiz shows the full range of expression of Tinta del Pais/Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grown in the Ribera del Duero region. Juicy and bright up front with flavors of red cherry and raspberry, followed by darker red fruits and spices mid palate, and, fine, firm tannins. Roasted or wood-grilled lamb is the traditional accompaniment, but each wine would also be a terrific partner for game birds, and savory vegetable gratins.