For the exquisite wines, we travel to the Iberian Peninsula; where robustness and the art of enjoyment collide. Besides vibrant cities like Valencia, Barcelona, and Seville, the country boasts another major asset: wine! Everyone knows Rioja wines, but Spain has so much more to offer. How about Ribera del Duero wines from Castilla y León? A highly distinctive style that, not entirely coincidentally, is the home of Bodegas Arrocal.
Bodegas Arrocal is located in the small village of Gumiel de Mercado, 200 kilometers north of the Spanish capital, Madrid. Here, in the medieval city center, you'll find the old wine cellars, excavated by Rosa and Moisés' ancestors. They, along with their sons, are currently the owners of Bodegas Arrocal. This winery was founded relatively recently, in 2003, but has built an impressive reputation in just two decades. This Bodegas Arrocal Selección Especial is the crowning achievement of the family's work.
Everything seems to be right about Bodegas Arrocal Selección Especial. It starts right in the vineyards. The Tempranillo vines are an average of 45 years old. This results in a small yield, but an exceptionally high quality. After harvest and fermentation, the grapes are aged in oak—and not just any oak! The juice is aged for a full 18 months in new French oak. Because the oak is new, it releases a wealth of flavor. Think heavy plums, blackcurrants, ripe cherries, pronounced balsamic vinegar, dark chocolate, soft vanilla, and hints of thyme and rosemary. The palate is particularly mature and not an everyday wine. Spicy, robust, powerful, but above all, incredibly delicious!
