Remirez de Ganuza Winery Guide

Winery Overview

Respected and revered by his neighbors, Fernando Remírez De Ganuza has established himself as a modern legend in the Rioja region. His wines have earned the admiration of discerning critics like Julio Iglesias and even garnered favor with the Spanish Royal family. In a region often associated with excessively oaky and dried-out wines, Fernando’s wines shine through with unrivaled power and finesse, showcasing the true potential of Rioja.

While Remírez De Ganuza may be a relatively young winery compared to its counterparts, its founder, Fernando, is no newcomer to the intricacies of Rioja Alavesa’s terroir. For over two decades, he immersed himself in acquiring and selling old vineyards in the region, gaining unparalleled knowledge of the diverse terroirs within this complex area. After quenching his thirst for understanding, Fernando turned his dream into reality in 1989 by constructing a state-of-the-art winery within the charming historic buildings of the picturesque medieval village of Samaniego. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria Mountains, the Bodega is a breathtaking sight. Fernando’s vision of blending modernity with tradition is evident in architectural design, where materials from the 19th century seamlessly merge with contemporary elements. It stands as a testament to his visionary brilliance.

It’s vineyards are known for their exceptional terroir, with a diversity of soil types, sun exposure, and microclimates that contribute to the complexity and character of their wines. Fernando strongly emphasizes sourcing grapes from old vines, which bring depth and concentration to the wines. Meticulous vineyard management practices, including hand harvesting and careful grape selection, ensure that only the finest fruit is used.

In a remarkably short span of time, Remírez De Ganuza wines have gained international recognition and acclaim, with their powerful and direct flavors capturing the praise of influential critics like Robert Parker and esteemed journalists worldwide. However, visiting this estate goes beyond experiencing exceptional wines, no matter how delightful they may be. The village of Samaniego and its surrounding areas have drawn comparisons to the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany before it became a global sensation. Here, sublime wines are crafted amidst stunning settings, creating an atmosphere of awe and beauty that captivates visitors.

Further Reading

Author

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James Lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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