Finca Allende is an esteemed winery in the Rioja region, characterized by a single-vineyard approach. Owned and managed by Miguel Ángel de Gregorio, the winery is located in Briones, a village steeped in rich viticultural history.
Miguel’s journey into winemaking began in 1986 while he was a university teacher in Madrid. His interest led him to Briones, where he studied the farming practices of local winegrowers. At that time, Spain had very few mechanical harvesters compared to France. Most vineyards were not trellised, necessitating manual harvesting, which limited efficiency.
Upon arriving in Briones, Miguel fell in love with the unique terroir and decided to stay and work as a winemaker while gradually acquiring small parcels of land. He established Finca Allende in 1995, with nine hectares of vines. Miguel draws parallels between Rioja and regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux. After the phylloxera epidemic devastated Bordeaux in the late 19th century, many Bordelais turned to Rioja for wine production, promising the region’s growth.
Miguel emphasizes the importance of terroir in his winemaking philosophy. He explains that each small vineyard parcel offers distinct characteristics, significantly influenced by soil composition and orientation. While some grape varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, retain a consistent profile across different regions, Tempranillo possesses remarkable adaptability. This allows it to express varied flavors depending on the soil type – whether clay, calcareous, or gravel.
Finca Allende has expanded to 85 hectares and maintains a commitment to organic farming practices. The winery eschews herbicides and employs organic fertilizers. Notably, they utilize mules for plowing, as they can work longer without the same need for rest as horses. The vineyard adopts both traditional gobelet training for older vines and modern cordon royat for newer plantings, ensuring a mix of classic and contemporary viticultural techniques.
The Wines
Finca Allende produces a range of wines showcasing their terroir and grape varieties.
Finca Allende Rioja Branco 2020
This wine is a 98% Viura blend, co-planted with Malvasia, fermented in predominantly new French oak. It’s complex and bold, featuring bright citrus flavors with a savory mineral twist. Rated 94/100.
Finca Allende Rioja Blanco Mártires 2022
With grapes sourced from their 1970 Viura vineyard, this wine has a vibrant profile, gifted by high acidity and barrel fermentation. It conveys a lovely expressiveness and balance, earning a 95/100.
Finca Allende Rioja Tinto 2015
This vintage reveals warm notes of sweet cherry and plum with a creamy palate, spiced with mineral undertones. It balances richness with acidity, rated 93/100.
Finca Allende Rioja Tinto 2009
Complex and developing, this wine features ripe berries and savory notes, structured for aging. It received a 94/100 rating.
Finca Allende Rioja Tinto 2004
With mature aromas and a blend of ripe fruit and oak, this wine has a dense character that persists, rated 92/100.
The Calvario vineyard, planted in 1945, hosts mostly Tempranillo with some Garnacha and Graciano. It is known for its high density of vines and precision in crafting complex wines.
Finca Allende Finca Calvario 2012
Chalky and structured, this wine showcases sweet strawberry and red cherry fruit, rated 93/100.
Finca Allende Finca Calvario 2007
This vintage is fresh and focused, showing bright cherry flavors with ageability, earning a 95/100.
Finca Allende Finca Calvario 2005
Nearly mature, this wine retains plenty of fruit and tannin with a linear structure and a delightful finish, rated 94/100.
Finca Allende shines not only for its rich winemaking heritage but also for its commitment to quality and terroir-driven wines that showcase the best of Rioja.
For more information, visit Finca Allende’s Website.