Profile Abadia Retuerta Winery, Sardón del Duero

Profile of Abadia Retuerta Winery

Ribera Del Duero Wine Map
Profile of Ribera del Duero Wine Region

Abadia Retuerta is considered one of the fastest "up and coming" wineries in the entire Ribera del Duero region, after only establishing itself commercially in 1996. Since it won the “Best red wine of the world” last year at the International wine challenge in London in 2005, it has sold out of many of its wines! The winery is located on a 700 ha estate in Sardón del Duero. Apart from the modern cellar, there is an incredible 12th century Romanesque monastery on the property, which lucky visitors can see. Wines are tasted in the centuries old, high vaulted monk’s dining quarters. The monastery was originally founded in 1145, by the aristocratic Doña Mayor. She was the very wealthy daughter of Count Ansúrez, Lord of Valladolid (the city at the heart of the Ribera del Duero wine region). The Abbey was one of many monastery-fortresses built during the Christian “Re- conquest” in the region of Castile (which in fact means “castle”). The grounds around the Abadia Retuerta property were actually donated to the church by the aristocratic owners. They left “terras et vineas” (land and vines) to the French-based order of St. Norbert which was the beginning of this estate’s history of producing wine.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the winery is now owned by the Swiss company Novartis and run by the charismatic New Yorker, Donald Cusimano. They have restored the monastery to its former glory and are, above all, making incredible wines! Attention to detail, quality and ambition are all descriptions you could use about Abadia Retuerta. They make a range of exquisite wines, with fair prices (contrasting with many of Spain’s elite wineries). Abadia Retuerta’s wines have been hailed in the wine press, and his wines are already being called by some as "modern classics". The Technical Director of the winery, Angel Anocíbar, was chosen as Winemaker of the Year last year in London.

Abadia Retuerta Rivola 2001
"Parker 90 !! The dense ruby/purple-colored 2001 Rivola is a 10,000-case cuvee of 60% Tempranillo and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 10 months in French and American oak, and bottled unfiltered. This amazingly concentrated wine could easily pass for a classified growth Bordeaux from a top vintage. It is deep and rich, with copious quantities of black currants, licorice, new saddle leather, earth, spice box, and hints of smoke. This medium to full-bodied, muscular red should drink well for 8-10 years. It is amazing stuff for the price! ...

Abadia Retuerta Seleccion Especial 1999
"Parker 92 !! The 1999 Abadia Retuerta reveals an opaque purple color as well as a classy, complex bouquet of flowers, black currants, raspberries, cherries, and vanilla. Full-bodied and elegant, yet concentrated as well as powerful, with impressive overall harmony, this nicely-textured, rich 1999 can be drunk now, or cellared for 10-15 years" - Super Cellars

Address:
Abadia Retuerta
Santa Maria de Tetuerta, 47340 Sardón del Duero, Valladolid, Spain
Tel: +34 983 680 314
Fax: +34 983 680 286
Email: abadia.retuerta.vll@abadia-retuerta.es
Web: www.abadia-retuerta.com

Winery Details
D.O.: Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla Y Leon
Founded: 1996
Owner: Swiss Company Novares
Winemaker: Pascal Delbeck and Angel Anocibar
Area under Vine: 204 ha
Age of Vines: 10-12 yr old vines, "Cordon Doble" pruning methods
Grape Varietals: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, small quantities of Syrah and Petit Verdot

More Information:

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