WINERY BACKGROUND

Before single vineyards were a fashion in Spain, the Martínez Bujanda family, realizing the importance of site specific wine, began a project to build a specialized winery in the spectacular Finca Valpiedra Vineyard. Upon evaluating the exceptional 1994 harvest in the vineyard, the Martínez Bujanda family knew that the time had come for this special property produce wines that were not blended with any other grapes. From that first vintage, the decision was made to build a Spanish “Chateau” to fully capitalize on the potential this vineyard offers.

THE VINEYARDS

The Finca Valpiedra Estate encompasses 200 acres in all: 173 acres of Tempranillo, 9 acres of Mazuelo, 4 acres of Graciano and 14 acres of experimental varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon. Situated on the banks of the Ebro River in the heart of Rioja Alta, the vineyard is located between 1330 and 1400 feet above sea level. The ideal climatic conditions this estate enjoys and its soil composition of sand and limestone combine to produce exceptional fruit. The estate takes its name from the abundance of beneficial rocks which are a result of its proximity to the river. Roughly translated Finca Valpiedra becomes “Stone Valley Ranch” in English.

VINIFICATION

Finca Valpiedra is vinified in a new, state-of-the-art winemaking facility that the Martínez Bujanda family built on the estate in 1997. The must undergoes maceration with the skins for thirty days (twice the traditional time in the region). Following fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, Finca Valpiedra is aged in New French oak casks from 14 – 18 months and then bottle aged for an additional two years.

“Finca Valpiedra shows powerful fruit and firm tannins up front, followed by the soft, round mouth feel and elegant finish that our Rioja wines are known for. We believe wines should age very slowly, yet still be enjoyable in their youth and this wine will age for many years.”