Who makes it
Alicia Eyaralar had her first grape harvest in Bierzo in 1989 and has had a professional career linked to the Navarra DO since 1991. She is Tandem's oenologist and co founder. José María Fraile and a small group of wine loving relatives and friends founded the company with her in January 2003.
The project followed extensive careers in winemaking and marketing, first together and later separately in different wineries. Pedro Jesús and Angel Lizarraga, a father and son who are also founding partners, provide a fundamental part of Tandem's grape supply.
Where it grows
Cold climate and plentiful winds mark the Yerri Valley, a fertile valley at the northwestern boundary of the Navarra DO. The valley's conditions favour viticulture with minimal intervention. Tandem is based in Lácar, Navarra, within this northern part of the denomination.
What they make
Tandem's grape range covers Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in red wines, with mostly Viura in whites. Ars Nova 2018 is a red blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It receives at least 24 months in concrete vats followed by nine months in 300 litre French oak barrels. It is neither cold stabilized nor fined and receives minimal filtration before release. The wine has 14.5% alcohol.
Ars Nova is deep ruby with a violet rim. The nose is fresh and complex, with ripe red and black fruit, balsamic notes, bramble berries, blueberries, liquorice and blackberries. Scrubland, thyme and mint add herbal notes. The palate is long and enveloping.