Since 1999, Jose Manuel has developed a reputation amongst his peers, as one of the top winemakers in Spain. His bodega produces less than 5,000 cases per year of small lot, hand-crafted wines from approximately 18 hectares of vineyards within the Tierra Estella sub-region of Navarra in Northern Spain. With his wife Maria Saenz-Olazabal, the two enologists have created two stunning lines of wines: Alzania, and Saenz-Olazabal. Jose Manuel's vineyards are never irrigated, never see herbicides or chemicals, and his plants produce between 3,000 to 5,000 kg/hectare on average. As a minimalist in the cellar as well, natural fermentation take place for all of the wines, carefully thought out oak treatments are used to complement the variety, and remarkably low amounts of sulfites are used during the process. These wines are truly a magnificent approach to both international grapes and the local expression of Garnacha, and continue to express more and more of the territory year after year.
Alzania’s La Pareja is a seamless union of two distinct vineyard sites and varietals, each contributing its own unique voice to the final blend. The Garnacha hails from the historic La Raicilla vineyard, where 85-year-old bush vines dig deep into dry clay-limestone soils. The Syrah comes from Los Almendros, a 24-year-old site that lends structure and depth. Each grape is harvested, fermented, and aged separately to preserve its individual character: Garnacha spends 8 months in large 5,000-liter French oak vats to retain its purity and elegance, while Syrah matures for 10 months in one-use French oak barrels, gaining subtle spice and texture. Only after this long, careful evolution are the two wines blended and bottled.
The result is a beautifully expressive red, with aromas of red fruits, violets, and a gentle balsamic note. On the palate, it’s fresh and mineral-driven, with silky fruit, medium body, and a graceful finish laced with blackberries, currants, and a whisper of earth. A thoughtful and balanced wine—versatile, vibrant, and distinctly Alzania.
The Camino de Santiago goes through Tierra Estella in Navarra – and passes through Alzania vineyards ‘A land of good grapes, and optimum wine’ – Calistinux Codice
Region: Tierra Estella, Navarra D.O, Spain
Grape: 50% Garnacha, 50% Syrah
Vintage: 2023
750ml
Since 1999, Jose Manuel has developed a reputation amongst his peers, as one of the top winemakers in Spain. His bodega produces less than 5,000 cases per year of small lot, hand-crafted wines from approximately 18 hectares of vineyards within the Tierra Estella sub-region of Navarra in Northern Spain. With his wife Maria Saenz-Olazabal, the two enologists have created two stunning lines of wines: Alzania, and Saenz-Olazabal. Jose Manuel's vineyards are never irrigated, never see herbicides or chemicals, and his plants produce between 3,000 to 5,000 kg/hectare on average. As a minimalist in the cellar as well, natural fermentation take place for all of the wines, carefully thought out oak treatments are used to complement the variety, and remarkably low amounts of sulfites are used during the process. These wines are truly a magnificent approach to both international grapes and the local expression of Garnacha, and continue to express more and more of the territory year after year.
Alzania’s La Pareja is a seamless union of two distinct vineyard sites and varietals, each contributing its own unique voice to the final blend. The Garnacha hails from the historic La Raicilla vineyard, where 85-year-old bush vines dig deep into dry clay-limestone soils. The Syrah comes from Los Almendros, a 24-year-old site that lends structure and depth. Each grape is harvested, fermented, and aged separately to preserve its individual character: Garnacha spends 8 months in large 5,000-liter French oak vats to retain its purity and elegance, while Syrah matures for 10 months in one-use French oak barrels, gaining subtle spice and texture. Only after this long, careful evolution are the two wines blended and bottled.
The result is a beautifully expressive red, with aromas of red fruits, violets, and a gentle balsamic note. On the palate, it’s fresh and mineral-driven, with silky fruit, medium body, and a graceful finish laced with blackberries, currants, and a whisper of earth. A thoughtful and balanced wine—versatile, vibrant, and distinctly Alzania.
The Camino de Santiago goes through Tierra Estella in Navarra – and passes through Alzania vineyards ‘A land of good grapes, and optimum wine’ – Calistinux Codice
Region: Tierra Estella, Navarra D.O, Spain
Grape: 50% Garnacha, 50% Syrah
Vintage: 2023
750ml
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