The Bodega is to be found at Zurukoain in the Basque region of Navarra of northern Spain and is run by Bittor Arbe and Kepa Larunbe. There are Seven vineyards - Burunziain, Ernobeleta, Aritzarotz, Magdalena, El Cerrao, San Lorenzo and Apalaz - totalling 20 hectares and each is treated organically. Grapes grown include Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Garnatxa white. The estate is relatively new having been established in 1998 and 'Aroa' is a Basque word that means 'optimum' referring to the ideal time to make wine. In addition to the winery there is also an award-winning restaurant on site that produces locally sourced food to compliment the estate's wines. This spicy, unoaked white is made from 100% Grenache white grapes and works very well with game dishes.
A pale-golden in colour. Floral nose of apples, almonds and honeysuckle. Full-bodied and spicy on the palate with notes of fennel, olives and dried fruit. The finish is lengthy and the tannins are well integrated. Remains on the palate for a considerable time. Altogether a sensational wine. Drink with roast pheasant with bacon and celery, braised wood pigeon with Bearnaise sauce or sea bass with herb stuffing.