The founding of Vegalfaro was itself a press release of social sustainability: a cross-generational vineyard enterprise from father-and-son group Andrés and Rodolfo Valiente, bringing collectively complementary data about viticulture’s previous and current, and a shared imaginative and prescient for its future. Rodolfo is now on the helm of the mission, supported by a small, close-knit group of native staff, making Vegalfaro deeply rooted within the historical past, neighborhood and way forward for DO Utiel-Requena.
Custom meets simplicity
Vegalfaro has constructed its identification round panorama and custom, deciphering them with a concentrate on drinkability, approachability and delight. Rodolfo has developed a spread of pure, uncomplicated wines, by which varieties and terroir take centre stage, unobstructed by approach. The wines mirror the identical straightforwardness with which Vegalfaro’s viticulture and winemaking philosophy incorporate sustainability.
The property’s 60 hectares of vineyards are all licensed natural and managed with biodiversity and soil well being in thoughts, integrating ideas of biodynamics and regenerative agriculture – all the time with a practical, responsive method that prioritises the wants of the plots slightly than prescriptive formulation. There’s additionally been proactive analysis on the completely different varieties’ suitability for distinct terroirs, with explicit emphasis on the native Bobal and Garnacha grapes, whereas additionally exploring their mixing potential and affinity with worldwide varieties.
Vegalfaro’s vineyards, Utiel-Requena
Again to the long run
Within the cellar, Rodolfo has likewise included conventional winemaking strategies supported by rigorous but easy trendy practices – and a inventive, rebellious spirit prepared to query assumptions and stylistic classes. It’s subsequently unsurprising that Vegalfaro’s flagship wine (see under) is a single-variety Bobal fermented and aged in clay amphorae, a call and funding that drinks from the supply: Utiel-Requena’s well-documented, centuries-old custom of winemaking in clay.
Beneath it in Vegalfaro’s assortment sit a lot of wines with equal quantities of character and pared-down complexity, made to be loved however not forgotten.
The evolution of Vegalfaro has been one among studying with and from the land – a course of that culminated within the attainment of Pago standing for its Balagueses winery. This recognition displays a journey of exploration and humble discovery: a studying dynamic that attracts a direct, clear line from winery to glass, from heritage to future potential.
The identical ethos evokes the sustainability framework of Vegalfaro’s administration: a dynamic younger group, impressed by the older generations however with eyes firmly set on the challenges and alternatives forward – working in very a lot the identical means because the profitable native rock band by which Rodolfo used to play bass guitar.
Rodolfo Valiente in Pago de los Balagueses
Two wines that seize the sustainability method of Vegalfaro
Insurgent.lia Rosado
50% Bobal, 50% Merlot
An intense rosé that performs to the strengths of the 2 varieties within the mix, showcasing their complementary characters. Bobal’s crunchy crimson fruit and energetic acid is fleshed out by Merlot’s deeper aromas and vinous texture. A rosado to get pleasure from with meals, elegantly weighty on the mid-palate. Good persistence, with lingering crimson fruit and aniseed. Natural licensed.
Caprasia – Bobal Anfora Biparcelario
100% Bobal
Hailing from Finca Alfaro’s oldest plots of Bobal, this flagship wine showcases the method developed by Rodolfo Valiente since 1999. The low-yielding, bush-trained vines produce fruit with unbelievable focus and vibrancy. Fermented and aged in two separate batches, therefore its identify: one in used French oak (first used for the vineyard’s oak-aged white); the second in 150-litre clay amphorae. These convey completely different characters of the variability and terroir to the forefront: its crunchy crimson fruit and freshness alongside its natural savouriness and refined smokiness. A characterful expression of Bobal with good ageing potential.
Uncover extra about Vegalfaro
Discover DO Utiel-Requena and its flagship producers
