When one contemplates a viticultural endeavor, it is common to envision the quintessential landscape of vineyards arrayed across undulating slopes or hillsides, with orderly rows of grapevines stretching as far as the eye can see, often framed by mountains, valleys, or rivers. Yet, there are always outliers that challenge the norm. Such is the case with Azul y Garanza, a winery that draws inspiration from the unique terroir of Europe's largest desert, the Bardenas Reales in Navarra, Spain, leaving us utterly astonished. A semi-desert natural landscape characterized by its arid, eroded scenery, its success is predicated on the extreme conditions the vines endure, with dramatic thermal fluctuations between day and night. When we add the integration of regenerative agriculture into each of the practices this winery employs, their wines unquestionably warrant our undivided attention.
Among them, Azul y Garanza Seis stands as one of their most distinguished wines, crafted since the inception of the project. Named Seis, a number symbolizing harmony and balance in numerology, it is a Merlot with a subtle addition of Cabernet Sauvignon from vines averaging 20 years of age, planted in clay-limestone soil that is both poor and arid, at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level. Sheep, invaluable partners in cultivation, play a pivotal role at Azul y Garanza. They not only maintain short, healthy grass but also naturally control weeds, produce nutrient-rich manure, and aid in breaking up soil compaction, enhancing its structure. Once the grapes are handpicked, they ferment for 10 days with indigenous yeasts and undergo a maceration period of 15 days in the winery (a former cooperative in the village of Carcastillo). Subsequently, the wine matures in French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels for 12 months.
In conclusion, Azul y Garanza Seis is the fruit of a profound commitment to the land and oenological excellence. Its roots in the arid soils of the Bardenas Reales and its meticulous and respectful production process in the winery yield a wine that encapsulates the very essence of its birthplace. As its defining number suggests, it embodies the perfect harmony between nature, tradition, and innovation.