GREGORIO MARTÍNEZ, Spain

Situated in the Iregua Valley of La Rioja Alta, the estate spans 120 hectares, with 40 hectares currently under vine. The vineyards lie between the villages of Nalda, Sorzano, and Entrena, nestled at an altitude of 700 meters and oriented to the north. This cooler, high-altitude location experiences a challenging climate, with harvests typically starting in mid-October and sometimes extending into November. The estate’s deep soils are primarily composed of thick red clay, sedimentary sand, pebbles, and sedimentary rock. The microclimate benefits from the nearby Moncalvillo and Camero mountain ranges and is reflected in the presence of magnificent centenary oak trees on the property grounds.

Viticulture

Gregorio Martínez’s vineyards are planted with up to five different clones of Tempranillo, which dominates the estate. Mazuelo (Carignan) and Viura each cover around two hectares. The vines endure extreme climatic conditions due to the altitude and northern exposure, making late-ripening varieties like Mazuelo particularly challenging to cultivate successfully. All grapes are hand-harvested into small 15kg crates, emphasising careful selection and minimal intervention.

Winemaking

Since 2009, under the direction of head winemaker Ricardo Cantera, the estate has undergone significant evolution, particularly with the introduction of the Finca Gregorio Martínez range. Cantera favors working with very low quantities of sulfur to preserve freshness and purity. Notably, malolactic fermentation occurs simultaneously with skin contact in the same tank, a rare practice that enhances natural vibrancy and imparts distinctive wild herb aromas. The Finca Gregorio Martínez range includes a clean, lively white Viura; a pale, fresh rosé crafted from Tempranillo; and single-varietal red wines made from Tempranillo and Mazuelo. The wines combine bright acidity, finesse, and aromatic complexity that reflect the cool, elevated terroir of the estate.