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For a man who began his working life as the village blacksmith and engineer, Alejandro Fernandez has certainly come a long way. From small beginnings in 1972, this magnificent bodega on the edge of the village of Pesquera today produces one of Spain’s most famous wines, with a truly global following. Although now an operation of considerable size, Alejandro has somehow managed to retain the ethos of a small producer. His background has undoubtedly played a major part in his success. From the beginning he brought an innovative approach to his ‘installations’, designing and making much of his equipment himself. He has over 200 hectares under vine, with more planting taking place each year. The wines are vinified in stainless steel and aged in oak – some French and some American – and then in bottle prior to release. The region's high altitude (2,000 to 2,500 feet above sea level) and continental climate are major quality factors. Hot days drive the grapes' sugar content up, while cold nights maintain acidity high, resulting in concentrated, fleshy wines.
The wines are made from 100% Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo) grapes. In traditional Rioja winemaking, Tempranillo has become known for its elegance, while in Ribera del Duero it stands for deep colours, lush, ripe fruit flavours and power, with plenty of smoky oak influence. Long macerations (up to 26 days) increase extraction of colour and tannin. The Crianza wines are matured in a mixture of French and American oak barrels for 20-24 months, while the Reservas and Gran Reservas spend a minimum of 30 months in small oak barriques.
Fernandez also owns a second property in Ribera del Duero; Condado de Haza Here there are 200ha of Tempranillo vines which were planted in 1989. Since 1995 it became a seperate and self-contained winery rather than a supporting player to other wines within his portfolio.
The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.