La Casona Arinzano 2010

Tasting Notes

Arínzano's La Casona stuns with a deep burgundy hue flecked with ruby highlights. On the nose, it's a complex dance of red fruit, toasted notes, and a hint of licorice. The palate is equally captivating - fresh, full-bodied, and bursting with dark fruits like cassis and blackberry. Hints of cinnamon, pepper, and sweet spices add intrigue, leading to a smooth, elegant finish thanks to silky tannins.

Background

With a history dating back to 1055, Arínzano started as a gift from a king to a hero. Monks first cultivated grapes, then nobles arrived and built a tower. By the 18th century, wine was the sole focus, with a grand manor constructed. The 19th century saw a church added, while a later crisis forced replanting with expert help. Arínzano earned top wine status in 2007 and joined a prestigious collection in 2015.

Production Process

Arínzano meticulously hand-harvests grapes in small boxes to ensure quality. After sorting, the grapes ferment for 15-20 days, using techniques that enhance the wine's structure and aging potential. For added complexity, the wine is regularly pumped over and goes through at least two delestages during fermentation. Finally, it rests for 14 months in French oak barrels, both new and used.