Stoli Group USA has added Arínzano to its fine wine portfolio.
This move follow parent company SPI Group’s recent acquisition of the estate in northern Spain.
SPI Group has also announced the appointment of Manuel Louzada as CEO of the new luxury division, to oversee Arínzano and Achaval-Ferrer, and Italian estates Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Castelgiocondo and Luce della Vite, a joint-venture with Marchesi de’Frescobaldi and Michael Mondavi.
Stoli Group USA will retain exclusive distribution rights for Achaval-Ferrer and Arínzano in the U.S. market.
Located in the northeast of Spain between Rioja and Bordeaux, the Arínzano vineyards were first planted in the 11th century. In 2007, Arínzano was the first estate in northern Spain to be named a Vino de Pago (or D.O. Pago), the highest qualification reserved for single estates that produce wines of terroir distinction and character, the company says. Current releases of Arínzano include Gran Vino and La Casona.
Louzada holds an agricultural engineering degree and a postgraduate degree in oenology from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, and was most recently the Estate Director of Bodega Numanthia, a Moët Hennessy property based in D.O. Toro.
Born into a winemaking family, Louzada acquired his passion for vineyards and winemaking from an early age, the company says.
“With our entire luxury wine portfolio, my key role is to develop our vineyards and winemaking to their fullest while also preserving the legacy and beauty we have inherited,” Louzada said in a press release.
