Nestled in the heart of the renowned Ribera del Duero region, Bodegas Arrocal stands as a testament to the intersection of tradition and innovation in winemaking. With a rich history dating back generations, this esteemed winery is renowned for its commitment to producing exceptional wines that encapsulate the essence of Ribera del Duero’s unique terroir.
Situated in the Castilla y León region of northern Spain, Ribera del Duero is celebrated for its rugged terrain, extreme climate, and distinctive soils. These elements, combined with the region’s high altitude and proximity to the Duero River, create the perfect environment for cultivating premium-quality grapes, particularly the iconic Tempranillo variety, known locally as Tinto Fino.
Rosa Arroyo and Moisés Calvo, natives of the charming medieval village of Gumiel de Mercado (renowned for its rich wine-growing history), inherited a tradition from their ancestors: the vines and the fertile land that have been the foundation of their livelihood. Today, with the same cherished affection, they, along with their sons Rodrigo and Asier, carry forward this legacy, embracing modern technologies while honouring age-old practices. In 1999, their journey began as they took over the family vineyard and planted new plots. By 2003, their dream materialised with the establishment of their winery, marking the beginning of their wine-making endeavours. With a deep understanding of the land and an unwavering commitment to quality, they meticulously oversee every stage of the winemaking process, from vineyard management to bottling. Today, spanning 85 hectares, the vineyards flourish with native Tinto Fino (Red) and Albillo Mayor (White) grape varieties.
Bodegas Arrocal’s vineyards, spread across prime locations within Ribera del Duero, are tendedto with great care to ensure the optimal ripening of grapes. The vines, which benefit from the region’s continental climate and significant day-night temperature variations, yield fruit of exceptional quality and character. By combining traditional winemaking techniques with modern advancements, Bodegas Arrocal are able to craft wines with great depth and complexity. Hand-harvested grapes are carefully sorted before undergoing fermentation, and extended maceration periods and gentle extraction methods are employed to maximise flavour and structure while maintaining the grapes’ innate characteristics. Within the cellar’s confines lie 600 barrels, predominantly French oak, with a touch of American oak, where their wines mature to perfection.
With its unwavering dedication to quality, respect for tradition, and innovative spirit, Bodegas Arrocal continues to elevate Ribera del Duero’s reputation as one of Spain’s premier wine-producing regions. Through their exceptional wines, the Arroyo family invite wine enthusiasts on a journey of discovery, encouraging them to experience the distinctive flavours and timeless allure of Ribera del Duero.
THE WINES:
Arrocal Joven Roble, crafted from 100% Tinto Fino grapes, spends 9 months in 3 year old French and American oak barrels, resulting in a deep red cherry colour with purple hints. Its aromatic profile is intense, featuring plums, cherries, mint, cocoa powder, and a touch of wild fennel, with earthy and spicy oak undertones. On the palate, it offers a silky texture, medium-full body, soft tannins, and a fresh, long finish. Versatile and balanced, it pairs perfectly with starters, such as cured meats.
Arrocal Selección Especial, aged 18 months in new French oak, derives from 100% Tinto Fino grapes from 45-year-old vines thriving in clay loam soils. It offers an intense ruby colour with garnet rim, aromas of ripe black fruits, such as plums, blackberries and cherries, as well as herbs such as rosemary and thyme flower. These aromas are complemented by balsamic perfumes, soft vanilla, and black cocoa. On the palate, it reveals a powerful intensity and concentration. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, and a great weight and length, this wine perfectly complements meat dishes or cheeses.
Arrocal Reserva de Familia is aged for 24 months in American barrels and 12 months in the bottle, representing the tradition of Bodegas Arrocal. Crafted from 100% Tinto Fino grapes sourced from 70-year-old vineyards at 860 meters above sea level in clayey-sandy soils, it offers a dark cherry colour with uniform edges. Aromas of ripe black fruits, scrubland, and balsamic notes mingle with vanilla and roasted nuances from oak. On the palate, it presents a powerful intensity with velvety tannins and balanced acidity, ideal for pairing with stews, roasts, or matured red meats. Limited to an annual production of 4,500 bottles, it stands as a pinnacle
of refinement from Bodegas Arrocal.
Arrocal Blanco de Guarda is a versatile wine, perfect for pasta, semi-cured cheeses, salted meats and smoked fish. Crafted solely from 100% Albillo Mayor grapes from 20-year-old vineyards at 934 meters above sea level in limestone-stony soils, it displays a straw yellow colour with greenish reflections, indicative of its clean and bright appearance. The aroma reveals water pear, ripe apple, and stone fruit notes with a mineral background and subtle balsamic hints of lemon thyme and lemon verbena, complemented by a light vegetable touch