STUDY GUIDE: LA NAVARRA
Navarra DO
Located adjacent to the northeast edge of Rioja and sheltered by the Pyrenees Mountains along the northern border. La Navarra got its Denominación de Origen classification in 1933. Climate & terroir vary greatly between the cooler, humid north near the Pyrenees foothills and the warm, dry and alluvial climate to the south.
Facts I Find Fascinating
- Known for rosado (rosé) and strong, deep, blending reds. The rosado of the region date back to the 15th century!
- Revolution came in the form of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and other French varietals (borders France to the North)
- Navarra is known internationally as the location where the famed "Running of the Bulls" occurs annually from July 6 until July 14th.
Grapes
Red
- Tempranillo
- Garnacha
- Cabernet Sauvignon
White
- Moscatel de Grano Menudo
- Viura
Subzones
Tierra Estella
- - Northwestern Navarra situated along the Camino de Santiago--Way of Saint James--, a pilgrimage trail throughout Europe near the town of Estella. The subregion borders Rioja and Basque. Climate is mostly affected by the Atlantic ocean and results in cool and humid weather. Springtime frost and Cold autumn are a concern.
- Soils are composed of heavy clay, marl, sand and gravel.
Valdizarbe
- Found in North-Central area of the region. Due to the many geographical influencers ("Way of St. James" at the foot of the Mountain Range, Atlantic Ocean & Arga River) the area possesses many micro climates. Springtime frost and Cold autumn are a concern.
- Soils are marl, loam and alluvial
- Known for bright white and rose wines and well balanced reds.
Baja Montaña
- Eastern edge of the Navarra bordering Aragon surrounding the town Sangüesa. climate is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees Mountains. The Atlantic Ocean mostly moderates the climate and provides for a - clay with limestone soils. Produce mostly rosados.
- Soils vary between marl, loam, sand limestone and gravel.
- Known for its deeply coloured rosado wines made from Garnacha and bright red wines.
Ribera Alta
- Situated in the middle of the Navarra region surrounding the Medieval town, Olite. Most vineyards must be irrigated. The region is warmer than its northern neighbors. The Continental climate is affected by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Protected by the Sierra del Moncayo a mountain range that separates the Ebro depression from the Meseta (the plateau of the Iberian Peninsula).
- Soils vary depending on elevation but consist of loamy-clay, marly, sand and limestone.
- Known for reds with deep intensity and medium body.
Ribera Baja
- The southern tip of the region. Near the town of Tudela The area is semi-arid, hot and flat with moderate winters. Climate is affected most greatly by the Mediterranean Sea.
- Soils vary slightly but include silty loam, marl, and sand.
- Known for ageworthy Tempranillo.
Vino Pago Status in Navarra
There are 3 vineyards/estates with the Vino de Pago designations in La Navarra:
Arínzano (2007)
Prado de Irache (2008)
Otazu (2008).
If you'd like to read more into this area, in addition to the materials I have listed in the Spanish Study Guides Index Page, I really enjoyed these sites:
Most material from this website is sourced from the resources noted in the Spanish Study Guides Index Page.