You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
SPAIN<br />
VINEYARDS<br />
ANGEL GARCÍA, THE FOUNDER OF BODEGAS SANTA RUFINA AND HIS DAUGHTER BLANCA GARCÍA<br />
BODEGAS SANTA RUFINA, OPTING FOR QUALITY<br />
Situated in Cubillas de Santa Marta, in DO Cigales, the Santa Rufina bodega has<br />
chosen to favour red wine production since its inception. In the past, though, the<br />
region virtually only produced rosés, which were famous for their unusual winemaking<br />
technique of blending red and white grape varieties.<br />
Whilst Cigales producers have in recent years begun making red wines, the<br />
bodega itself has not changed its priorities – red wines account for 85% of its sales<br />
currently – but rather perfected the art of blending. A Gran Reserva, matured for<br />
36 months in casks, was released this year in fact, explains Blanca García, daughter<br />
of the company’s founder, with obvious pride.<br />
Bodegas Santa Rufina is indeed a family affair. Founded in 1997, the estate is<br />
named after Blanca’s grandmother, who passed away when her father was still<br />
a child, says García. The bodega’s vines are extremely old – 40% of them are one<br />
hundred years old – and they extend over 90 hectares. Year-round care and attention<br />
is lavished on them.<br />
At Santa Rufina, quality has always been favoured over quantity. In fact, the winery<br />
has held onto some traditional winemaking techniques and opted for limited<br />
mechanisation. The grapes are picked by hand, “which makes it easier to preserve<br />
the integrity and impeccable quality of the fruit”, all of which is estate-grown. “This<br />
in turn makes it easier to make good wine”, says García, and when you taste the<br />
bodega’s characterful pours, you have to agree.<br />
AUTUMN 2022 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE<br />
73
Change language