Valenciso

Valencisco was founded in 1998 by Luis Valentín and Carmen Enciso, (Valen-Ciso, Val-en-THEECE-oh), Rioja natives with extensive experience in Rioja. Minority partners include former managers of Radoux, makers of the finest French oak barriques, and growers in the best areas of the Rioja Alta.

Valenciso’s objective is to produce a single wine of the highest quality and authenticity, released as Reserva. The very best Tempranillo grapes come from mature, low-yielding vineyards. Careful harvesting is timed to capture the intensity of the fruit, while avoiding overripeness or excessive alcohol levels. Aromatic volume rather than physical weight – in the manner of French Burgundy and the greatest Riojas of the past – is the Valenciso ideal. Aging takes place in the finest cork-grade (flor) French oak barriques, one-third replaced each year. Time in oak is dependent upon vintage characteristics and is determined upon exhaustive tasting. The wines of Valenciso are balanced offering early accessibility, with evident structure, fresh acidity and fruit intensity promising many years of bottle evolution.