Bodegas Faustino

Brand Description

Bodegas Faustino, one of the ‘First Families of Rioja’, was founded in 1861 by the Martinez family and is actively managed today by the 4th generation Martinez daughters. Faustino received its recognition from the first export of Faustino Reserva wines in the 1960s. Today, it stands as best-selling Gran Reserva in the world, and the iconic bottle featuring Rembrandt's art has become the symbol of the excellence of Rioja wines. Faustino wines are now enjoyed in more than 140 countries. All Faustino labels feature the portrait of Nicolaes van Bambeeck, painted by master artist Rembrandt van Rijn in 1641. Bambeeck was a wealthy merchant who made his fortune trading Spanish wool, spices and wine.

Location of Vineyard

Bodegas Faustino is the one of the largest vineyard owners in Rioja with 650ha of vineyards – primarily in the Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta regions spanning Laguardia, Logroño and Mendavia y Oyón, which accounts for 50% of all Faustino production and 100% of Faustino Gran Reserva and Reserva. Additionally, it maintains longstanding partnerships with growers who share a commitment to excellence. All vineyards are controlled by Faustino team with the latest technologies.

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

Bodegas Faustino is focused on signature quality and consistency across vintages, bringing the latest technologies to the winemaking process. This includes a meticulous approach to use yeasts from the vineyards, inert gases and control of oxidation in every stage of winemaking. All the work in the cellars is focused on shaping the future of wine with a 10-year perspective. The Faustino team strives to create wines that are perfect to be enjoyed now and with ability to stand the test of time. Famous for its patience, Bodegas Faustino releases wine only when they have achieved the perfect balance. Inspired by vineyard, Bodegas Faustino has committed to adopting ecological viticultural practices, fostering natural biodiversity in the vineyards, and prioritizing energy efficiency, as well as responsible water and waste management. In 2023, Bodegas Faustino achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first winery in Rioja to be certified as Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection (SWfCP). This certification not only acknowledges the winery's commitment to environmental sustainability but also highlights its efforts in addressing social and economic aspects of sustainability within the winery and its partnerships.

Winemaker: Juan José Díez González
Total acreage under vine: 1600
Founded: 1861

This deep-garnet-colored wine has aromas of blackberry, black currant and olive tapenade. It is soft at first sip, and then rugged tannins build on the palate, ferrying flavors of dark plum, pomegranate, cocoa powder, thyme and orange zest that wend their way to a surprisingly bright finish. Drink through 2035. — acclaim for 2004 Faustino I Gran Reserva from Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2022

An extremely well-aged and understated Rioja, showing discreet complexity with plums, oranges, leather, dusty red berries and minerals. Juicy and bright on the palate with a zesty nature to the berry and orange citrus. Silky, taut tannins and a long yet elegant finish. Lots of finesse here, with almost pinot etherealness. Tempranillo, graciano and mazuelo from selected plots. 36 months aging, with American oak in use, too. Drinkable now, but can hold for another 10 years. — acclaim for 2004 Gran Faustino I from James Suckling, Jul 2024

“A simple but fresh and crisp blend of viura and chardonnay showing white fruit and green apples. A bit light on the palate, with punchy acidity and a touch of white almonds in the concise, mouthwatering finish.” — acclaim for 2023 Faustino Art Collection Viura-Chardonnay from James Suckling, Sep 2024

View more acclaim

Find a Distributor