Winemaker Notes
In the village of Unzue, located in Navarra, Leoncio Arizu was born to Saturnino Arizu and Juana Uriz. The meaning of the family name would be a sign of the importance oak would have in his life, as Arizu means "oak grove". In 1890, a seven-year-old Leoncio arrived in Argentina and settled in Mendoza, where he was met by his uncle Balbino, already involved in the wine business.
The very first vineyards owned by the Arizus, had vines of European origin and were incorporated so that the winery began form in 1901. Leoncio Arizu became the manager of the family winery. A year later, the family purchased steam-powered plowing machinery and hired highly-trained personnel from England.
Leoncio Arizu married Juana Larrea in 1922. The couple would have 5 children. Saturnino Arizu, Leoncio's son, became involved in the winery. Don Leoncio Arizu passed away, and left his children his greatest heritage: His passion for wine.
Years later, Saturnino and his children began the commercialization of the wines produced by the family: Luigi Bosca, a paradigm in Argentinean wines. In 1991 the original Luigi Bosca Winery, located in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, was renovated and enlarged.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.