What the critics are saying:

“A small treasure in the great sea of Rioja.”
—Jesús Flores, Vivir el Vino

“Among the best new wines from Rioja in recent times.”
—Andrés Proensa, Guía Proensa 2004

At a recent dinner in Melbourne, Jesús Barquín, renowned Spanish wine writer and founder of the Equipo Navazos project, had a very clear message about Valenciso. He said this, “If you asked me to name just one producer from Rioja that you should buy, it would be Valenciso.” This should be “enough said!” This tiny Domaine, run by the lovely Luis Valentin (Valen…) and, complex white from one acre of Garnacha Blanca, but as the production is so small it hardly counts. Basically, it’s one wine, it’s a Reserva, and it’s a beauty. 

Leaving behind excellent careers at Bodegas Palacio, Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso started Compania Bodeguera de Valenciso in 1998. The vineyards and cellar are located in Rioja Alta, in Ollauri, Spain, a small village 4 km. far from Haro. Only the best Tempranillo grapes are used, from mature, low-yielding vineyards in the Rioja Alta. Valenciso is all about aromatic volume rather than physical weight - in the manner of French Burgundy and the greatest Riojas of the past. Ageing takes place in French oak barriques, one-third replaced each year.

The wine is much sought after by the top restaurants in Spain – Valenciso count the likes of Arzak, El Bulli and Racó de Can Fabes as key clients. The ‘05 is luscious and textured, exceeding fragrant and drinking beautifully. The palate is delicious - shot though by mulberry and blackberry fruit, backed up by an armed guard of minerality, soft tannins and refreshing acidity.  In sum Valenciso is a complex, savoury, terroir driven (as opposed to brand-driven) Rioja, revealing Luis and Cramen’s preference for subtle, elegant and super refined wines.