Finca Valpiedra winery is owned by the Familia Martínez-Bujanda. More than a century has passed since the family’s patriarch, Joaquín Martínez-Bujanda, began making wine in 1889; now his great-grandchildren, Carlos and Pilar, are carrying on the tradition. They realized their dream of fully expressing wine from a single vineyard by opening Finca Valpiedra in 1999.
As a testament to the quality of Finca Valpiedra’s wine, the estate has been inducted into the exclusive organization Grandes Pagos de España. The group’s mission is to defend and propagate the culture of “Pago” wine, meaning wine produced in a specific terroir that reflects the distinct personality of the soil and climate. To become a member, a vineyard must surpass strict quality standards and also exhibit a degree of uniqueness in terms of soil, climate or grape variety that sets it apart from the surrounding area. The association’s membership includes 25 estate wineries throughout Spain.
Located at an altitude of approximately 1400 feet above sea level, the climate is Atlantic-Mediterranean with hot summer days and cool nights, ideal for full grape ripening while maintaining freshness. The vineyard is protected from the cold northern winds by the surrounding Sierra de Cantabria Mountains. Its unique microclimate provides an optimal amount of sunshine and rain (nearly 16 to 19 inches per year).
The primary variety grown in Finca Valpiedra is Tempranillo, with some land dedicated to Mazuelo, Graciano and Cabernet Sauvignon. The average vine age is 35 years, and all grapes are hand-harvested and sorted.
Although the 21st century has heralded modernization and automation in winemaking, the mission of the Familia Martínez Bujanda has always remained true to the original intent of Joaquín Martínez Bujanda from over a century ago – control of the vineyard is essential to making wine. Each generation has sought to best utilize each location, taking into account the altitude, microclimate, soil, and the characteristic unique to each terroir, to create wines that capture its essence. The vineyards are nourished with organic matter and employ modern and traditional winemaking techniques to produce the best-quality wine possible from each parcel. The goal at Finca Valpiedra is to produce innovative wine that will flourish into the next century, while adhering to time-honored traditions. The results are wines of elegance, style and sophistication.
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Lismore Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
As with all Lismore wines, balance is the key. The bracing acidity that is customary in new world Sauvignons has been brought into balance with a carefully chosen pick date and the barrel and egg fermentation and maturation. A full bodied, balanced wine was the goal.
Barrel fermentation and extended lees contact contribute to this full bodied, elegant and well balanced wine. Floral notes of passion flower and fynbos, granadilla, guava, gooseberry and pear on the palate along with an underlying minerality which gives this unique terroir driven wine its signature.
Wine Made in the Soil
The grapes come from 50% Lismore’s Greyton vineyards which are planted on East/Southeast facing slopes at 320 meters in the foothills of the Sonderend Mountain Range. The soils are deep decomposed shale. The other 50% comes from a vineyard in Stanford which overlooks Walker Bay on sandstone soils.
Reviews:
"The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented was from donated Stellenbosch, Helderberg, Elgin fruit and a little from Greyton (thus WO Western Cape). This was made in a similar style, oxidatively in barrels, at Almenkerk but obviously has a very different terroir expression than the usual Cape South Coast fruit. The fresh, saline, sea-spray-scented bouquet gradually unfurls with aeration in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a grassy, white asparagus and ginger-tinged opening, crisp acidity and a racy but composed finish where you would be hard pressed to detect the barrel ferment, it is so discreet. Superb. - Neal Martin"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2021), 92 pts
"Made with a combination of 30% Greyton grapes and parcels donated by friends and colleagues after the fire at Lismore in 2019, this Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc has subtle wood top notes, taut, herbal grapefruit and wet stone flavours and a nip of skin tannins. 2021-24"
- Tim Atkin, South Africa Report 2021, 92 pts
The 2020 Oakville Winery Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas of cherry and raspberry with notes of fresh roses, vanilla, dust, and pencil shaving. The rhythmic structure between the granular tannings and the vibrant acidity allows the sensation of a long, refreshing finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon can be aged for a decade bringing all the earthy components of a classic Napa Cab.
A New York strip steak with butter, mushrooms, and herbs will melt when you pair it with this wine.