Masterclass- Familia Fernandez Rivera
Today’s masterclass at, we delve into the rich history and tradition of Spanish winemaking with Familia Fernández Rivera. For generations, this family has crafted exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the high altitude Ribera del Duero region. They focus on single varietal, low yielding, micro climate expressive wines. Above all, it’s the terroir that matters. Tasting a wine from Familia Fernández Rivera is like taking a sip of history. Each bottle tells a story of passion, tradition, and unwavering dedication to quality. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, their wines offer an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Ribera del Duero.
The family is involved in four wineries, all close to one another, but with significant differences between them in terms of climate and grape growing conditions. Tinto Pesquera, the Familia Fernandez’s flagship winery is located to the west of the region in the town of Pesquera del Duero whilst the Contado de Haza winery is located to the east of the region, in Burgos. Dehesa la Granjais located close to the borders with Portugal, whilst El Vinculo is situated to the southern part of Spain’s meseta, in La Mancha.
Veronica led us through the Familia’s journey to today’s three generations of #womeninwine at the helm of the company while tasting and discovering their wines:
El Vinculo Crianza 2020: 100% Airén La Mancha DO: from 70-90 year old vines, pours into the glass a bright yellow gold color. The nose is vibrant with aromas of fresh white peaches, apricot, ripe pears, and zesty citrus, along with subtle floral hints and a touch of vanilla custard, layered herbal dill and toasted almond from oak aging. It offers a delightful balance of freshness and richness, with bright fruit flavors and a slight oxidative note complemented by crisp acidity and a smooth, creamy texture. The finish is clean and refreshing, leaving lingering stone fruit and spice notes. Its bright fruit character and subtle oak influence highlight a modern interpretation of this classic varietal making it an excellent alternative for Chardonnay lovers.
Condado de Haza Crianza 2020: 100% Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero DO): Aged in 18 months in American oak with 6 moths additional in the bottle. Pours into the glass a deep ruby red color. The nose offers an inviting aroma of ripe dark fruits such as blackberries and plums, complemented by notes of dried herbs (anise), coffee, cocoa, leather, and subtle oak influences of dill freshness, vanilla and white pepper. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with a silky mouthfeel. The robust flavors of dark berries are balanced by bright acidity and firm, sandy tannins, complemented by hints of espresso, savory meat and dark chocolate. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering fruit and spice notes. This well-crafted Tempranillo reflects the elegance and depth of the Ribera del Duero region, making it an excellent pairing for grilled meats, hearty stews, or aged cheeses.
Dehesa La Granja 2016: 100% Tempranillo (Castilla y León DO): Aged for 24 months in American oak. Pours into the glass a deep garnet color with ruby highlights. The nose is complex and perfumed, featuring ripe red and black fruits like cherries and blackberries, complemented by dried herbs, tobacco, leather, smoke, chocolate and subtle oak notes of vanilla and licorice. The first sip is full-bodied and luxurious, with vibrant fruit flavors balanced by refreshing acidity and well-integrated tannins that offer a velvety texture. Flavors of chocolate, espresso, and earthy nuances add depth. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering dark fruit and spice notes. This wine is a stunning representation of Tempranillo from Castilla y León, making it a perfect pairing for hearty dishes like grilled lamb or rich stews.
Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2019: 100% Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero DO): A deep ruby color with violet reflections. The nose is rounder and sweet as well as complex and inviting. Ripe dark fruits - cherry, blackberries and plums, along with dried fruit, floral notes, black pepper, clove, fennel, balsamic, hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a harmonious balance of rich black fruit flavors and vibrant acidity with a savory quality. The well-integrated, velvety tannins provide structure, while nuances of espresso, cocoa, and light mineral notes add depth. The long finish features lingering dark fruit, spice, and oak. This exceptional Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero encapsulating the essence of its terroir in a refined manner.
Millenium Tinto Pesquera Gran Reserva 2018: 100% Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero): A deep, inky garnet color with a bright ruby rim. The nose offers profound aromas of ripe cherry with subtle blackberries, accompanied by dried figs raisins, sweet spices like cinnamon and clove, and hints of tobacco and leather, enriched by subtle floral notes and savory black olives. On the palate, it is full-bodied and opulent, with a balanced profile of dark fruit flavors and vibrant acidity. The refined, velvety tannins provide structure, while notes of dark chocolate, espresso, balsamic, and a fennel earthiness contribute to a multilayered experience. The exceptionally long finish features lingering baking spice. This Gran Reserva is a stellar representation of Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, ideal for pairing with rich dishes like roasted lamb or game, and showcases the elegance and depth of its high altitude limestone terroir in a refined manner.
Thank you so much for this wonderful tour of a winemaking excellence. More to follow on the Familia’s story and sensory experience.
Watch the full reel on Instagram Masterclass With Familia Fernandez Rivera
