A Landscape Defined by Altitude and Atlantic Influence
The estate farms vineyards across Ollauri, Briones, Haro, Rodezno and Villalba at elevations between 400 and 600 metres. This north western corner of Rioja Alta is strongly shaped by the Atlantic climate. Cool evening winds help preserve acidity and aromatic complexity, while clay limestone soils provide structure and longevity. Valenciso does not irrigate its vineyards, which encourages deep roots and natural balance. These conditions create Tempranillo with exceptional finesse, the foundation of every Valenciso wine.
A Philosophy Built on Patience and Precision
From the beginning, Luis and Carmen chose a path guided by restraint and integrity. They follow sustainable viticulture and avoid herbicides, pesticides and insecticides. The estate has been working organically for many years and is currently transitioning to full organic certification. In the cellar, they made a distinctive choice that sets them apart in Rioja. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks rather than stainless steel. This traditional method allows for slow, gentle vinification that preserves freshness and enhances longevity. Their wines are never fined, which maintains purity and texture.
Crafting Wines with Longevity and Grace
Valenciso focuses on elegance rather than power. Tempranillo is handled with care, extraction is gentle and ageing takes place in carefully selected French oak. The result is a portfolio of wines that are subtle, refined and built to age. These wines reveal their complexity gradually and reward patience. This quiet and confident approach has earned Valenciso a place among the most respected producers in Rioja.
Valenciso Wines
The flagship wine represents the heart of the estate’s identity. Valenciso Reserva is crafted entirely from Tempranillo and offers a beautifully balanced expression of Rioja Alta. Expect red cherry, dried flowers, subtle spice and fine polished tannins supported by the freshness that defines the estate’s high altitude vineyards. It is elegant, understated and built for long ageing.
Cemento Tinto highlights the purity and precision that concrete fermentation brings. The wine is vibrant and expressive with lifted red fruit, floral notes and a supple, silky texture. It presents Tempranillo in its most unadorned form, shaped entirely by fruit, soil and careful winemaking.
Valenciso Reserva “10 Años Después”
This rare and highly sought after release is aged for a full decade before it reaches the market. The wine shows remarkable depth, harmony and refinement. Expect layers of dried fruit, cedar, tobacco and savoury complexity wrapped in a graceful and seamless texture. It is crafted only in exceptional vintages and stands among the most distinctive long aged wines in Rioja.
Valenciso Blanco is one of the most elegant and gastronomic white wines in Rioja. Made from old vine Viura and Garnacha Blanca, it is fermented and aged in French oak. The wine offers citrus, white peach, almond and subtle spice supported by vibrant acidity and a long mineral finish. It has excellent ageing potential and a refined, expressive style.