Our historic wines for that special occasion
Since our great grandfather founded the company in 1877 we have always guarded some small quantities of the most memorable vintages in our private cellars. To mark your special occasions we release some of these rarities so that wine lovers all over the world can enjoy the exciting taste and aromas of our History.
These fine old wines were made many years ago in the most artisan and traditional way, as we still do. They have lain undisturbed in our deepest cellars, maturing slowly, nurtured by the passage of time.
Naturally all these wines are “Gran Reservas”, a unique distinction only granted to the highest quality of wine. The story starts when a rare combination of weather and grape growth produce an exceptional crop in terms of colour, quality and balance. Once harvested the grapes spend some eight years in barrel during which time they are racked by hand some seventeen times.
Throughout this time they are tasted regularly by an expert committee comprising of three members of the family. They follow the wines progress and only just before bottling at the eight year will they decide if the wine is worthy of the title “Gran Reserva”. If it is, the wine will remain undisturbed in bottle in the cellars for a further eight years. This has happened only on twenty two occasions since 1890.
We have made both red and white “Gran Reservas”. Each has its distinctive qualities. The reds have all the majesty, richness and bouquet of their noble tradition. The whites, with the incredible longetivity, the complexity and freshness so suited to the cuisine of today.
To celebrate a birthday or anniversary, with a “Gran Reserva” is to give a true mark of distinction. These wines will leave you with flavours and memories to cherish for ever.
We want you to enjoy this rare vintages; if you have any questions or would like help in choosing these wines, please contact us at the Bodega.
How to enjoy our historic wines
Please read carefully to ensure your maximum pleasure. Because of their age and the natural wine making process, some bottles will have colour sediment. This will not affect the complex aromas, the taste or your enjoyment of the wine.
Due to the fact that these bottles have been laying in our cellars with high humidity and a constant temperature, on which the humidity is naturally regulated by the mould which gives or absorbs humidity depending on the needs of the cellars, the bottles atract mould and dust. Also, because the wine has been hand bottled and aged during many years, the neck height is always irregular, even when the wine is from the same barrel. Filled, waxed and ticketed by hand the bottle keeps most of the dust that settles over the years. This aged exterior look is regarded by us as a sign of the age and care that has gone into the crafting of the wine. In no way we hide it and this will not affect either the quality or your pleasure in drinking this Gran Reserva.
After you receive the bottle it should be left resting for at least a week, preferably in a quiet, dark and cool place. Both the temperature and humidity should be constant. Humidity between 70-80% and temperature between 18º-20º C.
If you decant the wine, let it rest for an hour before serving. Pour carefully ensuring the minimum decanter movement. If you do not decant, it should be laid vertically for an hour so that the sediment rests at the bottom. With time the cork can loose its tenacity so extract it with the maximum care. Pour carefully ensuring the minimum bottle movement.
Our white wines should be served at 16-18º C and our reds at 18-20º C.