Anyone who has ever visited Spain is undoubtedly familiar with the wines of grandmaster Cruz de Castillo. This family has been producing wines in various Spanish wine regions since 1850. They began in their beloved Rioja, where they still produce the finest classic wines. The baton has now been passed to the fifth generation, with experience and expertise passed down from father to son. The winery, therefore, boasts long-standing traditions but has always been open to modern winemaking techniques. As a result, they recently opened a renovated winery incorporating all the latest technologies. This has elevated quality and allowed them to respond even better to the current situation. Winemaker Franseco is proud of their approach and produces truly exquisite wines.
The old Chardonnay vineyard of El Aritza
Winemaker Franseco has been walking through vineyards since he was a child, inspired by the "mighty trees" surrounding them. The beautiful vineyards in Utiel Requena are still impressive, and the large trees still stand today. This inspired him to create the El Aritza wine series. Making wines with oak aging was his inspiration, and he succeeded. For this white El Aritza wine, Chardonnay bunches are used from very old vines. The old vines have deep roots, allowing them to easily absorb moisture and nutrients. The perfect climate, with abundant sunshine and cool ocean breezes, results in a beautifully consistent harvest. This harvest is partially harvested by hand, guaranteeing purity.
Full and very powerful this El Aritza Chardonnay
After pressing, this white Chardonnay undergoes light oak aging in the El Aritza cellars. It develops into a creamy wine with plenty of power in both aroma and taste. Upon opening the bottle, we smell a beautiful bouquet of tropical fruit with subtle notes of peach, vanilla, and red apple. In the glass, the wine reveals a dark yellow color and clings to the glass. The creaminess gives the aroma ample room for exotic fruit, including peach and a touch of grapefruit. On the palate, a ripe wine that leaves the tongue with a beautiful, oily mouthfeel. Plenty of tropical fruit, with pineapple, banana, and peach taking center stage. This ripe Chardonnay is truly a delightful wine with a rich diversity.