Pago de Otazu is one of Spain's estate-specific Vinos de Pago. The vineyard, sometimes called Pago de Señorio de Otazu, is in Cuenca de Pamplona in the autonomous community of Navarra. It is the country's most northernmost VP, and is less than seven miles (12km) west of Pamplona, the city world famous for its Fiesta de San Fermin, or running of the bulls. The pago (estate) received its VP status in 2008, becoming the third in the Navarra region to achieve the honour.
Winemaking within the boundaries of the pago can be traced to the 12th Century, and its buildings date all the way back to then as well as the 14th and 16th centuries. The owners of Otazu have carefully restored the historic structures and also added an enormous state-of-the-art winery, which allows for a mix of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. The estate is also known for its galleries and art collections.
Pago de Otazu's setting is dramatic. It is in a cuenca (basin) at the edge of the Sierra del Perdon and Sierra Echauri mountains. The Arga River bends around to form its northern and western borders. The estate's proximity to the North Atlantic, just 56 miles/90km away, means its microclimate is heavily influenced by the sea. It has wet winters, but gets plenty of sunshine during the ripening season. The area also experiences stark diurnal temperature variations, and this encourages the aromatic properties and complexity in the grapes. The soils are made up of alluvial clay as well as rocks and pebbles.
Pago de Otazu is 284 acres (115ha) in size and cultivates just four varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot for red wines and Chardonnay for whites. All are grown in small plots which are best suited to the grapes and each plot is named after a woman, with names including Helena, Irene, Daphne and Venus.
Pago de Otazu produces two red blends, a Cabernet – Tempranillo and a Cabernet – Merlot – Tempranillo, and a varietal Chardonnay.
