La Solana (Castile-La Mancha)

La Solana (Castile-La Mancha)

Max. Summer temp. : 45 ºC
Min. Winter temp.: -5ºC

Florentino VP

‘Pago Florentino’ is a project launched by the Arzuaga-Navarro family, who are also responsible for Bodegas Arzuaga-Navarro under DO Ribera del Duero, where they make internationally famous wines. In 1997, Florentino Arzuaga bought 150 hectares of olive trees in the province of Toledo with the intention of producing olive oil. While he was looking for somewhere suitable to launch his venture, Florentino discovered the La Solana estate, in the municipality of Malagón (Ciudad Real); a unique location in which to cultivate vines, and there decided to make a wine, which for its character and uniqueness, was destined to become a Vino de Pago (single-estate wine). This much-sought after recognition was granted to ‘Pago Florentino’ in July 2009 by the Castilla-La Mancha Regional Government.

The La Solana estate is in the north of the province of Ciudad Real; its major characteristics being its location at the foot of the Sierra de Malagón, affording it protection, and its south-facing slopes, which subject its vineyards to long periods of sunlight exposure. This phenomenon, which is paramount to the grape ripening process, is bolstered by the region’s dry Mediterranean climate, with its scarce rainfall, drastic temperature changes and long dry periods, which determine the fruity character and identity of ‘Pago Florentino’ wines.

‘Pago Florentino’ boasts 58.1 hectares of its own vineyards endorsed with the status of protected designation of origin. The soils, where the vines are planted, are characterised by their abundant granite-clay rocks and high mineral content, a quality which is reflected in the wines after the vinification process. Due to the region’s scarce rainfall, the hydric stress of the vines is controlled via a drip irrigation system, although viticulture principles are always at the forefront with the idea of making the most of natural elements such as the sun, the soil and vineyard husbandry. At La Solana estate the following grape varieties are grown Cencibel, the Castilla-La Mancha name given to Tempranillo, as well as Syrah and Petit Verdot. The region’s climatic conditions and soil characteristics bestow the fruit with an excellent alcohol and acidic balance, and a perfect level of ripening.

In 2001, the first ‘Pago Florentino’ vintage was made in the bodega, which is located in the centre of the estate. This wine’s vinification process aims to reflect the terroir where the grapes mature, as well as maintaining flavour consistency thanks to its ageing process in French oak barrels, which are renewed every year. This last element accompanies the wine’s fruit nuances, respecting expression and obtaining a product which reflects the full potential of grapes grown in optimum ripening conditions.

The driving force behind ‘Pago Florentino’ is oenologist, Jorge Monzón. From 2001 to 2009 this wine was sold under the Vino de la Tierra de Castilla quality stamp, but once it began to be sold under the Vino de Pago category the oenologist admits that the recognition “has represented a growth in interest in our bodega and an improvement in internal quality standards”, highlighting that this quality seal of approval is the highest ranking category which can be granted to any Spanish wine.

‘Pago Florentino’ is characterised as being an expressive, concentrated and fruity wine; qualities which have been bestowed by the climate and terroir at La Solana estate. In appearance, this wine is deep, dense and impenetrable, in colour, cherry-red with violet tones. The nose boasts striking glacé black fruit with blackberry, plum and grape nuances, as well as the delicate aromas of new, clean wood. Strong and full in the mouth, this wine is also characterised by its velvety and delicious texture, fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon flavours with a balsamic touch. ‘Pago Florentino’ boasts an expressive and long finish, with excellent balance between alcohol and acidity, as well as noble, overripe tannins.


Regulatory Council

Consejo Regulador VP Florentino
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro, S.L.
Ctra. N.122 Aranda-Valladolid, Km. 325
47350 Quintanilla de Onésimo
Valladolid
Tel.: +34 983 681 146
bodeg@arzuaganavarro.com
www.arzuaganavarro.com

VP Florentino Log
Vineyards
Area under vine
58.1 ha.
Altitude of vineyards
700 m.
Soil types
Granite-clay rocks and high mineral content.
Principal grapes (r)
Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot.