Our driver Jose picked us up at our hotel and we drove to the Finca Valpiedra winery in the midst of the Rioja wine region.
Rioja is the most well known wine region of Spain and their red wines use predominantly Tempranillo. When many people think of Spanish wine, they think of Rioja. As we drove through this region, I was amazed at the extent of the vineyards. I have never seen so many vineyards in one place ever before. I have been to Napa/Sonoma but that area does not compare to the sheer number of vineyards visible in Rioja. Rioja is also very beautiful, such an amazing landscape. It was a very enjoyable ride through this wonderful wine region.
The Finca Valpiedra winery is part of the Family Martinez Bujanda. Bujanda consists of three different wineries, including Finca Antigua and Cosecheros y Criadores. Bujanda tries to find excellent vineyards, wherever they might be located, and specialize a winery for those vineyards. The Bujanda's involvement in wine extends back to 1889.Finca Valpiedra means the "estate in the valley of stones." Their vineyards constitute of about 80 hectares, on three terraces, beside the River Ebro. About 72 hectares are planted with Tempranillo, 2 with Graciano, 2 with Mazuelo and 4 with experimental varietals. The vines average about thirty years old.
Lachlan Cox conducted us on a private tour of the Finca Valpiedra winery. He was a very good guide, personable and informative. We first began by looking out at the vineyards as Lachlan described the area.
On the day of our visit, harvesting was going on so we watched some of the grape sorting. We even got to taste the grapes, and they certainly were bursting with sweet berry flavors. The grapes were hand sorted and then proceeded into a destemmer.
The grapes then proceeded into the stainless steel tanks. Below you can see the computer console that helps keep track of the tanks, maintaining temperatures and more.
The winery makes only a single wine, the Finca Valpiedra Reserva. This is considered a single estate vineyard as all of the grapes for the wine come from just these vineyards. Below you can see where they store their barrels. About 4000 barrels are kept here. Only new French oak is used.
Their tasting room has large windows looking out towards the vineyards and provides a stunning view. Not only did we get to taste the Finca Valpiedra but we also got to try some of the Finca Antigua wines. Finca Antigua is located in the La Mancha D.O. The wines we tasted were their inexpensive, but value, wines.
2001 Finca Valpiedra Reserva: When you only make a single wine, you better make sure it is good. This wine is 90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano/Mazuelo and 5% Others. The Others are their experimental grapes and as such, they are not permitted to identify those varietals on the label. But it is actually Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%, which is good. It is not one of those higher alcohol wines. This wine has a big nose, very fruity. A pleasure to smell. On the palate, you get lot of fresh berry flavors, especially cherry and strawberry. The wine has good structure and balance, as well as a long finish. It is a silky, smooth wine with mild tannins. This is not an expensive wine, only about 16 Euros, so it might cost $20-25 in the US. At this price, this becomes an excellent value wine. This was a superior vintage and should keep for a number of years. I would highly recommend this wine.
2006 Finca Antigua Blanco: This white wine is made from the Viura varietal. It is a smooth and crisp wine with a medium body. On the palate, there are nice citrus flavors and it has a clean finish. At less than $10 US, this is an excellent value wine.
2004 Finca Antigua Crianza: This is another wine under $10 US. It is a blend of 60% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Syrah. This was an ok wine with some dark berry and spice flavors. There was a tinge of a vegetal taste though which I did not care for, though I know others enjoy the flavor.
2003 Finca Antigua Reserva: This wine is around $12 US. It is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. This was a good wine, with lots of fruit flavors on the palate. It has some intriguing spice flavors that mesh well with the dark berry flavors. It has a medium-length finish. For the price, this is another good value wine.
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