This is Arizcuren

Rioja doesn't get any better than this. Javier Arizcuren´s sharp eye for detail from his architect training unites with his family's grape growing history in Quel and his desire to not only ensure the vineyards continue but thrive has led to Arizcuren. An outstanding collection of perfectly made wines that really do show just how good Rioja can be. Javier has an intense understanding of this heritage, the soils, the climate, the vines and how to transform them with the most utmost respect.

We can only invite you to taste some of Spain's most incredible wines to discover why he is currently one of the most highly considered winemakers in the country. Simply outstanding.

★ 94 Points Robert Parker
★ 92 Points James Suckling



Valdetrillo is an ungrafted vineyard, of undetermined age, which shows in its flesh the scars of the evolution of viticulture in the 20th century; when animals gave way to tractors in the vineyards of La Rioja, 50% of its vines were uprooted. But the important thing is that it is still there, with its wounds, but giving us year after year magnificent grapes with which to make great wine.

Past, present and future of Rioja Oriental. Past, represented by the traditional varieties, garnacha and mazuelo, present, by the now majority tempranillo and future, a future built around the union of all of them, following the tradition of blending varieties to make great wines. Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo from vineyards in the village of Quel at an altitude of between 530 and 600 metres above sea level, harvested by hand. Aged in French oak barrels and concrete tanks.

★ 91 Points Robert Parker
 
★ 92 Points James Suckling

Mazuelo is a variety that has historically formed part of the great wines of Rioja, being largely responsible for its longevity. At La Cantera it is planted in bush vines, at an altitude of over 550 metres above sea level, in clayey soil with abundant pebbles and low fertility. The viticulture used aims to obtain quality grapes; low yields of around 4,000 Kg/Ha, basal leaf removal on the northeast side, optimum phenolic ripening of the skin and pips, without reaching excessive probable degrees. The winemaking process aims to be as respectful as possible of the wine's own characteristics, reducing exogenous inputs as much as possible.

The wine obtained after the passage through the vat is much more rounded and finished than those aged in wooden barrels, showing itself to be the purest reflection of what the variety is. With this wine I have the opportunity to carry out a very didactic work to make the characteristics of the variety known in order to enhance its value within the DO and avoid the tendency to reduce the cultivated surface area by grubbing up the existing historical vineyards.

★ 93 Points Robert Parker



Mazuelo is a variety which has historically been part of truly great Rioja wines, being largely responsible for its longevity. Gobelet system vineyard, at over 550m of altitude, in clay soil with abundant boulders and low fertility. The viticulture used seeks to obtain quality grapes; low yields around 4,000 kg/ha, basal leaflessness on the northeast face, optimal phenol maturation of skin and grape seeds, without reaching excessive probable degrees. The elaboration seeks to be as respectful as possible with the wine’s own characteristics, minimizing exogenous contributions

★ 90 Points Robert Parker
★ 91 Points James Suckling

Garnacha was the majority variety in La Rioja Baja until around 30 years ago. Arizcuren Strictly Garnacha aims to show the benefits of this variety in a specific place, the northern slopes of the Sierra de Yerga and its suitability for cultivation. To do this, we work with some of the few remaining old vineyards, on the one hand looking for a representative wine, and on the other to value the variety-forming ensemble: a Gobelet conduction system and an area; that of Sierra de Yerga. This way, perhaps the "desertification" process of the once historic Garnacha vineyards that existed in this area may be reversed. The wine seeks to be an expression of the both the variety and of the place where it grows, therefore no exogenous products are used in the process (except a small amount of sulphurous), and the wood is used exclusively for the wine stabilization process, without it being excessively marked.

★ 92 Points Robert Parker
★ 92 Points James Suckling

Garnacha was the majority variety in La Rioja Baja until around 30 years ago. Arizcuren Strictly Garnacha aims to show the benefits of this variety in a specific place, the northern slopes of the Sierra de Yerga and its suitability for cultivation. To do this, we work with some of the few remaining old vineyards, on the one hand looking for a representative wine, and on the other to value the variety-forming ensemble: a Gobelet conduction system and an area; that of Sierra de Yerga. This way, perhaps the "desertification" process of the once historic Garnacha vineyards that existed in this area may be reversed. The wine seeks to be an expression of the both the variety and of the place where it grows, therefore no exogenous products are used in the process (except a small amount of sulphurous), and the wood is used exclusively for the wine stabilization process, without it being excessively marked.