The Winemaker
Javier Sanz Viticultor
Javier Sanz Viticultor has been in the Sanz family for five generations of winemakers for over 150 years. Their winery is based in the heartland of the Verdejo variety, on the Rueda plateau in Spain. Leticia, Javier’s daughter and next generation caretaker of the vines, is driving sustainable change through obtaining organic certification whilst preserving the family ethos. Their viticultural process values quality over quantity through exhaustive monitoring of the vineyards.
Our philosophy is based on the conservation of pre-phylloxera vineyards, local grape varieties, and the recovery of varieties that have almost become extinct.
– Javier Sanz
Wine Region
The Rueda wine region is found in Castilla y Leon, to the North-West of Madrid, in Spain. Javier Sanz Viticultor’s 104 hectares of vineyards are located below the Duero River, surrounding a small town called La Seca. The area’s hot and dry climate, dramatic diurnal shifts, and rocky soils create ideal conditions for the jewel of Rueda – Verdejo. This native variety has been cultivated in Rueda since the 11th century. The oldest of their vineyards, El Pago de Saltamontes, was planted in 1863 and is pre-phylloxera.
Growing VERDEJO
The Verdejo grapes are grown on the ancient gravelly pebbles of the Rueda landscape, an area famous for its continental climate with a large diurnal temperature (the difference between night and day temperatures) range, low humidity and prevailing strong winds from the West. These factors allow for balanced ripening, preserving the aromas, freshness and acidity in the wine.
Verdejo is the superstar variety in the region. A native grape, it produces a fantastic range of wines – from dry to sweet, and young to aged. From our vibrant and zesty young Verdejo to the ripe and velvety barrel-aged version.
ThREE KEY SUPPORTS
When asked about the winery’s philosophy, Javier says says he relies on three supports: family, land and love of winemaking.
Sustainability Initiatives
Minimal Intervention – Water Mitigation – Solar Energy
Javier Sanz is passionate about their responsibility as vineyard caretakers. The winery practices minimal intervention to allow the vineyard to thrive on its natural instinct and to preserve the old vines that have survived there for generations. Javier Sanz uses less than half of the permitted water for irrigation in the Rueda DO; the largely dry-farmed vines help to contribute to lower, more concentrated quality yields. Energy use is mitigated by only running the extraction fans during the cool of the night air, and much of their power is supplied by solar power on the winery rooftops.
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