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Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva 2001

  • Decanter
    97 Points
Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva 2001
  • Decanter
    97 Points
Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva 2001
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Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva 2001

SKU: FIGR200110 UCAU
15 Plus Years
Regular price $349.99 / bottle
Unit price
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1 bottle
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85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo

Ranked the Decanter Best Wine in the World of 2013

Bodegas Faustino has a history of 150 years and four generations.

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Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva 2001

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Tasting Notes

Made mostly from Tempranillo grapes blended with other varieties, following the traditions of the classic “Grand Reserva” wines from La Rioja, wines with unrepeatable personality. The grapes are from the vineyards near the winery, since at the time transport was in baskets on the sides of horses or mules. The grapes were not stemmed and were only pressed gently to start fermentation (it could be said that it is a semi-carbonic fermentation processes, similar to the methods used in Alava area of La Rioja).

Aged in barrels mostly made from American oak, although with a touch of French barrels, since our archives record the use of French oak barrels in the Faustino Winery at that time, which was somewhat novel in La Rioja.

The wine is bright and glossy, orangey-ruby red with reddish flecks. A bouquet reminiscent of a spice shop (turmeric, bay leaf, coriander...) Hints of honey, dried fruit, almonds, marzipan... “other wine category”.

Our wine experts emphasise that acidity is the backbone for good ageing of these vintage wines. GRAN FAUSTINO 1955, a wine with pH 3.4, which would initially lead us to believe it is an acidic wine, but which rapidly surprises us with its silky, enveloping feel, polished, round tannins, hints of wood with a wealth of invigorating sensations.

Because of the time it spends in the bottle, this wine needs to breath for all its properties to come out, since it has been in a state of reduction (closed in a bottle without contact with the air) for half a century, and now needs to oxygenate to return to its balance.

We therefore recommend using a decanter in which it will open up and reveal all its nuances as an exceptional, singular vintage Rioja wine. And a part of our history.

Critic Scores

Deliciously decadent, with extraordinary vitality on the palate and a long, unique finish. A jewel at this price. I have this wine full marks - it was perfect. I cannot think of any other wine, in this price range, that provides so much complexity, elegance, style, classicism and length.

Vinification & Cultivation

Crafted only for our premium wines

Vineyard Cultivation

The 2001 vintage reflects Faustino's traditional sourcing across the clay-limestone vineyards of Rioja Alavesa, where the cool, high-altitude sites produce Tempranillo of structure and ageing potential. The 2001 season was favourable with ripe fruit and good acid retention, ideal for the house style. Vines on these south-facing slopes benefit from morning sun exposure and evening cooling, maintaining the mineral-edged profile that distinguishes these Gran Reservas. Yields were modest, concentrating flavour into each berry.

Vinification

The 2001 blend comprised 86 percent Tempranillo, with Graciano and Mazuelo providing aromatic and structural support. Harvest took place in late September under optimal ripeness conditions. Fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks was followed by extended maceration on skins to extract tannin and colour. The wine then underwent extended barrel ageing in American oak, imparting vanilla and spice notes whilst allowing the primary fruit to integrate. Bottle age added further complexity before release.

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