Navarra

• Garnacha (Grenache): The heart of Navarra’s rosado—dry, crisp, and fresh, with flavors of strawberry and cherry, and also a key grape in juicy, spicy reds.
• Tempranillo: The leading red grape, often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, delivering wines with cherry color, ripe berry aromas, and mineral notes.
• Graciano & Mazuelo (Carignan): Native varieties that add structure, spice, and depth to red blends.
• Chardonnay: Ranges from crisp and mineral-driven to creamy and barrel-aged, showing impressive quality, especially from the cooler north.
• Viura (Macabeo) & Garnacha Blanca: Produce fresh, medium-bodied whites with floral and stone fruit notes.
• Moscatel de Grano Menudo: Used for luscious, aromatic dessert wines with honeyed, floral flavors.

Navarra's diverse terroir is shaped by its varied geography and climate. This region is divided into five subzones, each with its own climatic personality. The northern areas, including Tierra Estella, Valdizarbe, and Baja Montaña, sit at higher elevations and experience cooler temperatures with more rainfall, thanks to their proximity to the Atlantic.

The soils in Navarra range from clay-limestone in the north to sandy and gravelly in the south. These conditions allow for a wide variety of grapes to thrive—from late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon in cooler zones to Garnacha and Tempranillo that flourish in the sunny south. The region's unique combination of elevation, soil, and climate enables Navarra to produce a broad spectrum of wine styles, from aromatic whites to robust reds.

Navarra's wine scene is a harmonious blend of history and innovation, home to several esteemed wineries that showcase the region's diverse terroir and grape varieties:

• Bodegas Julián Chivite: Among Navarra’s oldest, known for their standout *Colección 125* wines, especially the barrel-fermented Chardonnay.
• Bodegas Ochoa: A family winery near Olite, offering organic wines like Garnacha rosés and Tempranillo-Cabernet blends.
• Domaines Lupier: Specializes in old-vine Garnacha, producing celebrated single-vineyard wines.
• Bodega Otazu: Renowned for its architecture, Bordeaux-style reds, and a unique art gallery within its winery.
• Pago de Larrainzar: Known for limited-production red blends, located near the historic Irache Monastery.

Navarra is making strides in sustainable winemaking, drawing from its rich farming history. Many vineyards are shifting towards organic practices, emphasizing integrated pest management and water conservation. The region benefits from its diverse ecosystems, including Alpine and Mediterranean influences, which encourage a focus on biodiversity and land care.

Navarra's wineries are investing in energy-efficient facilities, utilizing solar panels and water recycling systems. The region is also home to FIVE, an international organic wine fair in Pamplona, highlighting its commitment to organic and natural wines. With climate change challenges like drought, winemakers are adapting by planting drought-resistant rootstocks and adjusting vineyard management. These sustainable efforts ensure that Navarra can continue to produce its acclaimed wines while caring for the environment.

Navarra's wine tourism offers a rich tapestry of experiences, seamlessly blending its winemaking heritage with cultural exploration.

The Navarra Wine Route is a journey through about 70 picturesque towns, each offering a unique taste of the region's wine culture.

Visitors can explore the medieval city of Olite, home to the Wine Museum and historic bodegas like Ochoa.

Unique attractions include Bodega Otazu's art-filled wine cellar and Bodegas Irache's Wine Fountain for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, cycling, or horseback riding through vineyard-dotted landscapes, with many estates providing trails and picnic spots.

Navarra's culinary scene, vibrant festivals, and scenic beauty complement the wine experience, creating a comprehensive adventure for wine lovers.

This blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes Navarra a compelling destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the world of wine.