Gran Faustino I
Gran Faustino I
Gran Faustino I was launched for 40th anniversary of the Faustino I Gran Reserva, thanks to an exceptional 2004 vintage (one of the best in the 21st century). This wine is homage to the winery itself with selection of the best own vineyards, best barrels and long aging time. It is a classic “coupage” of the Rioja Gran Reservas: Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo.
Wine Production
Grapes are hand-harvested and varieties are fermented seperately. Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004 has been aged for at least 38 months in American oak (80%) and French oak (20%) barrels, with five rackings during this time. They are barrels in the first, second and third year of use, combining the passage through them to find the balance needed… ‘by listening to the wine’. During the aging process, personal tastings by the family and the winemaking team were crucial to finding the perfect balance between the barrels. These tastings were done every eight months, when the wine was racked. After bottling, it waited many years during a long period of refinement in the cellar’s magnificent wine racks.
Tasting Notes
Clean and intense on the nose. Tertiary aromas predominate, with a marked presence of prunes and ripe fruit, perfectly blending with spicy and balsamic aromas from the barrel aging. On the palate it shows great elegance, with notes of liquorice, candied fruit, cocoa, and again, the balsamic notes. Well-balanced acidity and polished tannins, with a sweet and delicate finish.
Food Pairing
T-bone steak and grilled meats in general. Grilled tuna. Aged and fatty cheeses. With desserts, it pairs very well with baked cheesecake or chocolate cake.
Gran Faustino I was launched for 40th anniversary of the Faustino I Gran Reserva, thanks to an exceptional 2004 vintage (one of the best in the 21st century). This wine is homage to the winery itself with selection of the best own vineyards, best barrels and long aging time. It is a classic “coupage” of the Rioja Gran Reservas: Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo.
Wine Production
Grapes are hand-harvested and varieties are fermented seperately. Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004 has been aged for at least 38 months in American oak (80%) and French oak (20%) barrels, with five rackings during this time. They are barrels in the first, second and third year of use, combining the passage through them to find the balance needed… ‘by listening to the wine’. During the aging process, personal tastings by the family and the winemaking team were crucial to finding the perfect balance between the barrels. These tastings were done every eight months, when the wine was racked. After bottling, it waited many years during a long period of refinement in the cellar’s magnificent wine racks.
Tasting Notes
Clean and intense on the nose. Tertiary aromas predominate, with a marked presence of prunes and ripe fruit, perfectly blending with spicy and balsamic aromas from the barrel aging. On the palate it shows great elegance, with notes of liquorice, candied fruit, cocoa, and again, the balsamic notes. Well-balanced acidity and polished tannins, with a sweet and delicate finish.
Food Pairing
T-bone steak and grilled meats in general. Grilled tuna. Aged and fatty cheeses. With desserts, it pairs very well with baked cheesecake or chocolate cake.
Brand Materials
Vineyard & Production Info
Winemaking & Aging
Analytical Data
About the Vineyard
Vineyards are located in the Oyón and Laguardia areas of the Rioja Alavesa zone at an average altitude of 550m. The vineyards are surrounded by scrubland and some estates are at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, sheltered by the mountains. The north to south orientation of vineyard rows maximises sunlight exposure to favour optimal ripening of the grapes. The soil in Laguardia is rich in iron and clay, while the soil in Oyón is predominantly calcareous. Bringing together these two vineyard areas deliver the perfect balance for a wine with a long shelf-life.
