Javier Arizcuren started life training to become an architect. A goal he achieved and still practices to this day in his office in Logrono. It is this profession that has allowed him to pursue his true passion. His Grandfathers vineyards are located around the village of Quel in the Sierra de Yarga. This was once know as Baja but is now Orientale. The Orientale is famed for its bulk wines but to the south lie the ranges of the Yerga and it's within this geological fault zone that his vines live and Javier works. A visit to the Arizcuren website reveals historic ariel photos showing the amount of land under vine in the mid-century compared to the tiny plots holding onto 60 - 100 year old vines.

The vineyards are invariably old, pocketed in small parcels located between 400m and 600m above sea level. Pruning is by "Guyot Poussard" which has helped to balance yields and quality dramatically over the past 15 years. The next part is the most intriguing approach to his work vs work balance. In order to keep an eye on both worlds Javier has constructed an urban winery next door to his practice is Logrono itself. All fruit is brought down to the city to get sorted, fermented an aged in a variety of vessels from concrete vats, French oak foudre and demi-muid, ceramic "barriques" and clay amphore. It is both fascinating and and effective. His wines are stuctured and bold but seamless in construct. Evocative, detailed, scientific and passionate - as one would expect from a succesful architect and soil hunter.