Vintage Overview
The 1964 vintage is considered a landmark in the history of Rioja DO, renowned for both its exceptional quality and quantity, with 135 million liters produced compared to an average of 100 million liters during the 1960s and 1970s. Faustino I debuted as a brand in 1964 with the 1958 vintage, a decision made by Julio Faustino Martínez, the third-generation family member, as part of his vision to expand into international markets.
Faustino I's Success
Today, Faustino I is the leading exporter of Rioja's most prestigious wine category and is present in more than 140 countries, consistently earning accolades and awards year after year.
Remarkable Harvests and the Birth of Gran Faustino I
In 2004, the stars aligned once again to provide one of the finest grape harvests in recent decades, one of only six vintages rated as "Excellent" since the legendary 1964 vintage. Remarkably, 2004 also marked the 40th anniversary of the Faustino I brand and 40 years since the iconic Rioja vintage. With these exceptional grapes, the winery decided to create Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva as a tribute to the essence of their winemaking process: their own vineyards, extended barrel aging, and meticulous bottle aging.
The Vineyard and the Harvest
The vineyards, located in Oyón and Laguardia at an average altitude of 550 meters, are the starting point of this exceptional wine. Surrounded by natural scrubland at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, the vineyards are sheltered by the mountains. The deep, well-drained, healthy soils with controlled yields create optimal growing conditions. The north-south orientation of the vineyards maximizes sunlight exposure, promoting the optimal ripening of the grapes.
Harvest Process
The selective, painstaking, and patient harvest began on September 27th. The black fruit aromas of Tempranillo from the Laguardia area blend perfectly with the red fruit aromas of Tempranillo grapes from the Oyón area, achieving an exquisite balance that gives the wine its long aging potential.
Winemaking Process
Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004 is a classic blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo. It was aged for 38 months in oak barrels (80% American and 20% French) with five rackings throughout the process, allowing the wine to "breathe" and evolve. Regular tastings were conducted by the family and winemaking team to ensure the perfect balance was achieved.
Exclusive Collection and Limited Production
Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004 is part of the Martínez Zabala Gallery, the most exclusive collection of unique and singular wines from Familia Martínez Zabala. This collection features wines made with select varieties from privileged vineyards, crafted as limited editions. In the case of Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004, only 31,401 numbered bottles were produced, each one representing the pinnacle of artisanal winemaking.
Legacy and Innovation
Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004 marks the beginning of a project where the essence of the winery’s own vineyards, combined with passion, expertise, continuous improvement, and the harmony of past and present, come together to create an extraordinary wine that embodies the legacy of Bodegas Faustino.
