Arínzano – First Vino de Pago of Navarre

A millennial estate shaped by a singular terroir, between Atlantic influence and Iberian tradition

Located at the meeting point of Navarre and the rolling hills of Rioja Alavesa, Arínzano is one of the oldest documented winegrowing sites in Spain, with references dating back to the 11^th century. Classified as a Vino de Pago since 2007 — the highest level of recognition in the Spanish system, granted only to truly unique terroirs — the estate embodies a rare convergence of history, medieval architecture, biodiversity and technical precision.

Crossed by the Ega River, surrounded by forests and hills carved by Atlantic winds, Arínzano is defined by a deeply distinctive identity: a landscape where nature, stone and vine have been in dialogue for nearly a thousand years. Under the direction of Manuel Louzada, the estate pursues a vision built on elegance, balance and absolute fidelity to its terroir.

Terroirs & vineyard

The estate covers 300 hectares, including 128 hectares of vineyards, divided into parcels that display exceptional geological diversity:

• Clay-limestone – structure, verticality, Tempranillo precision.
• Gravel and alluvium – tension, energy, fruit brightness.
• Altitude (350–500 m) – slow ripening, finely etched aromatics.
• Atlantic climate – freshness, natural balance, finesse.

These natural conditions — rare in Spain — yield wines of remarkable purity: vibrant, long and finely structured, with structural freshness at their core. The estate is fully certified organic, with a viticultural approach centred on soil preservation, responsible resource management, biodiversity and meticulous parcel-by-parcel monitoring. Each vine row is regarded as a living part of the ecosystem.

Winemaking & ageing

Winemaking is carried out parcel by parcel to express with precision the mosaic of Arínzano’s terroirs. Each lot is vinified independently to preserve its identity:

• manual harvesting,
• rigorous sorting,
• fermentations adapted to each grape and soil type,
• gentle extractions privileging texture and silkiness,
• measured ageing in French oak, without excessive wood influence.

The estate’s philosophy is built around the pursuit of perfect balance: pure, expressive and structured wines shaped by the natural tension of the Atlantic climate.

Wine style

Arínzano wines are defined by:

• an elegant, elongated profile,
• a rare Atlantic freshness for Spain,
• precise aromas of red and black fruit, fine herbs, floral and mineral notes,
• polished tannins and perfectly controlled structure,
• remarkable purity — the estate’s hallmark.

Gran Vino Tinto stands out for its verticality, noble grain and aromatic depth. Gran Vino Blanco showcases one of northern Spain’s greatest expressions of high-altitude Chardonnay: tension, energy and mineral brilliance.

Signature wines

• Arínzano Gran Vino Tinto
  High-altitude Tempranillo. Fine structure, silky tannins, remarkable tension and aromatic depth.
• Arínzano Gran Vino Blanco
  100% Chardonnay. Chiselled minerality, crystalline purity, long vibrant finish; one of Navarre’s greatest white wines.
• Hacienda de Arínzano Tinto
  A more accessible expression of the estate. Precise balance, elegant freshness, bright fruit.

Conclusion

Arínzano is one of the very few Spanish estates whose terroir is recognised as a Vino de Pago, reflecting a clearly defined identity and uncompromising commitment to quality. Its millennial history, organic approach, unique Atlantic climate and parcel-based winemaking make it a benchmark of northern Spain. Luminous, refined and remarkably pure, these wines express the altitude, landscape and soul of Navarre with singular clarity.