I have just had the opportunity and the pleasure of meeting Roger Mathews from Bodegas Valduero. We tasted his spread of delicious wines here . in our London office. They sure do make outstanding wines, which are still great value for moneyHe has certainly raised my awareness for this winery and their wines. I was impressed by how “˜alive’ and fresh the wines of Valduero taste and this seems to hold true throughout the selection of wines produced. The whole group were simply delicious. Fantástico!
The family, GarcÃa Viadero, was established in the D.O. Ribera del Duero in 1984. Valduero is a family winery and one of the first to be founded in the Ribera del Duero, located 16km northwest of Aranda de Duero in the heart of Ribera del Duero. The main grape variety in Ribera del Duero is Tempranillo referred to locally as “˜Tinta Fina’. After more than a decade they decided to start a new wine making practice in the D.O. Toro. In 1996 they acquired 56 hectares of land planted with the red grape, Tinta de Toro.
One of the main concerns of the Garcia family Viadero has always been quality of the grapes and self-sufficiency. The soil is extremely poor and very dry due to the extreme climate out there. Their vines therefore have to travel further to gain the necessary nutrients. These climatic conditions are ideal for producing wines of great power and long life, as Tinto Fino grapes ripen through a very slow process and maintain an outstanding balance and acidity during the cycle. The wines they had on show today revealed these characteristics in abundance.
People’s views on Spanish wines have been slightly distorted in the past. This is due to Rioja and it overshadowing the lesser known wines of Spain. Spain has not been renowned for producing particularly fine wine, however the days of over-oaked dried out wine are long gone.
Arbucala Joven, Toro, Bodegas Valduero 2010
“Upfront and plump with a juicy palate of crushed berries, spice and subtle earthy notes. Round and velvety. Despite its youth, it is delicious drinking now and would beautifully accompany barbeque foods and spicy dishes.”
Valduero Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Valduero 2005
“They conquer their intense garnet, living and high layer. This wine is well integrated with great fruit and a good grip of acidity. The palate is strong and offers serious and powerful tannins reflecting the soil of the vineyard. ”
Valduero Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Valduero 2001
“Deep, rich with lovely smoothness and pace. Wonderfully aromatic with softened notes of balsamic, cedar and tobacco. Lovely layered complexity with some enveloped power. Though appealingly tertiary in aromas, this still has a long life ahead of it.” RP – 95 Points
Valduero Primium, Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Valduero 2004
An impressive Ribera del Duero that delves into a core of sweet, velvety fruit, fig and balsamic notes. Spicy and broad yet fresh and pure, this needs food but is notably expressive, complex and delicious.