Faustino I Gran Reserva is the flagship wine that established Faustino’s international reputation. It remains the best-selling Gran Reserva in the world, crafted only in vintages deemed exceptional by the winery.
The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Oyón area of Rioja Alavesa, situated at an average altitude of 450 metres. The soils here are predominantly calcareous marl interspersed with coarse-grained sandstone. These horizontally layered soils crumble easily and lie on gently sloping terrain, where lower areas collect mineral-rich material from above. This unique combination imparts aromas of undergrowth and a sense of warmth to the wines.
The winemaking philosophy is centred on balance – not only for immediate enjoyment, but also for long-term development in bottle. Faustino I Gran Reserva undergoes extended ageing, far beyond DOCa requirements: 26 months in French and American oak barrels, followed by a minimum of 3 years in bottle. The wine is released only when the perfect balance between structure, complexity, and maturity has been achieved.