Winebow Producer Book

DOCa Rioja , Spain

Winery Overview Finca Valpiedra winery is owned by the Familia Martínez-Bujanda. More than a century has passed since the family’s patriarch, Joaquín Martínez-Bujanda, began making wine in 1889; now his great grandchildren, Carlos and Pilar, are carrying on the tradition. They realized their dream of fully expressing wine from a single vineyard by opening Finca Valpiedra in 1999. As a testament to the quality of Finca Valpiedra’s wine, the estate has been inducted into the exclusive organization Grandes Pagos de España. The group’s mission is to defend and propagate the culture of “Pago” wine, meaning wine produced in a specific terroir that reflects the distinct personality of the soil and climate. Location of Vineyard With an elevation of 1,400 above sea level, the estate is located in the Rioja Alta section of DOCa Rioja, nestled into a sharp meander in the Ebro River providing a microclimate and terroir unlike anywhere else in the region. The vineyard is comprised of 198 acres divided into nine plots of loam and limestone soil. The soil contains a multitude of pebbles from the river, which gives Finca Valpiedra its name (“Stone Valley”). The stones also contribute to the land’s natural ability to trap heat and accelerate grape ripening. Finca Valpiedra’s soil is high in calcium, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, copper and iron, all of which contribute to its acidity and fertility. Winemaking Philosophy Although the 21st century has heralded modernization and automation in winemaking, the mission of the Familia Martínez-Bujanda has always remained true to the original intent of Joaquín Martínez-Bujanda from over a century ago – control of the vineyard is essential to making wine. Each generation has sought to best utilize each location, taking into account the altitude, microclimate, soil, and the characteristics unique to each terroir to create wines that capture its essence. The vineyards are nourished with organic matter and employ modern and traditional winemaking techniques to produce the best quality wine possible from each parcel. Winery Overview Viña Bujanda is owned by brother and sister team, Carlos and Pilar Martínez-Bujanda Irribarria, whose family has been making wine since 1889. The estate was established in 2009 in the small village of Oyon near Logroño, completing the range of wines offered by Familia Martínez-Bujanda. Location of Vineyard The old vine estate vineyards consist of 14 small parcels that are between 20 and 60 years old, which have been cultivated separately to take advantage of the various microclimates and soil types. These vineyards are located within the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa subregions of DOCa Rioja. Both areas offer a balanced, structured soil composition of sand, lime and clay. They are also slightly alkaline, with moderate water in the summer. Natural organic matter is used to fertilize the vineyards, as stems, skins and pruning remains are put back into the earth. This combination of soils and natural farming infuses the fruit with distinctive characteristics that result in wines of exceptional quality. Winemaking Philosophy Although the 21st century has heralded modernization and automation in the winemaking philosophy, the mission of the Familia Martínez-Bujanda has always remained true to the original intent of Joaquín Martínez-Bujanda from over a century ago – control of the vineyard is essential to making complex wines. Each generation has sought to best utilize each location, taking into account the altitude, microclimate, soil and the characteristics unique to each terroir , with the intention of creating wines that capture its essence. They continue to nourish the vineyards with organic matter and employ modern and traditional winemaking techniques to produce the best quality wine possible from each parcel. Viña Bujanda’s goal is to produce fresh, versatile, innovative wines of high quality and exceptional value. DOCa Rioja , Spain