Valenciso

Valenciso is one of Rioja’s rising stars, a newcomer to the Rioja stable that has quickly risen to join the highest ranks of wines produced in the Rioja Alta region today. Despite being officially founded in 1998, this exciting project has benefited from the unrivaled expertise of Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso, who worked for a top Rioja estate for over 15 years. Their base in Ollauri produces small quantities of exceptional (and fantastic value) Reserva wines. The wines’ quality and finesse betray the property’s recent origins – Bodegas Valenciso is barely 12 years old!

Luis and Carmen’s story is a familiar one to the wine world; after working many years at Bodegas Palacio, they embarked upon a dream of running their own property. Bravely leaving their comfortable and successful careers at Palacio, in 1998, they struck out on their own. This new exciting venture started from extremely humble beginnings; in 1998, Luis and Carmen rented a small warehouse with barely enough space to produce just 24,000 bottles. Encouraged by their early results, they continued to buy grapes from local growers and, in 2002, decided to build their own winery. In 2008 the cellar doors opened, and that dream was fully realized; since then, Valenciso has gone from strength to strength.

Visitors to the impressive and chic winery just outside medieval Ollauri today would scarcely believe that Valenciso started its journey in a rented warehouse, with only a two-person crew! It is remarkable what the dynamic duo have achieved in a little over 12 years – Valenciso now employs 6 full-time employees and produces over 100,000 bottles. The modern winery is about 15 minutes from the wine of Haro, which dates back to the 10th century and has been the center of viticultural activity in Rioja for centuries. Speaking of tradition, wine lovers arriving at the winery gates should expect a heady mix of the modern and traditional – “It combines traditional materials and line simplicity with modern and spacious forms” – says Luis Valentin. However, like all great wines, Valenciso ultimately begins and ends in the vineyard. This is what distinguishes this estate from its competitors, the utmost care taken in the vineyards.

Only the finest Tempranillo fruit is used, selected from 12 vineyard sites of the finest Riojan terroir. As you might imagine, the wine seldom disappoints; a rich, elegant wine of great finesse and breeding. There was never any doubt in our minds; Valenciso has taken its rightful place amongst Rioja’s finest. Our lucky guests can receive a private wine tour and vertical tasting with the charming owner as a part of a luxury tour.