• STORY: Jesús Martínez Bujanda founded the Bodegas Valdemar in 1985. In a few years, the Oyón-based winery has become one of the most successful producers of the DOC, mainly thanks to a revised classic style with unclouded, intense fruit and crystal-clear tannins. For decades, Bodegas Valdemar has been one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Spain.

• AGEING: old vines in Rioja Alavesa, aged 30 months in French oak barrels.

• AROMA: brilliant dark cherry color, complex aromas of ripe fruit with hints of undergrowth, cedar, truffle and spices.

• EVALUATION: Supple, rounded and long-lasting finish.

• SERVING RECOMMENDATION: ideal with red, grilled meat and game dishes, as well as cold cuts and aged cheeses.

Jesús Martínez Bujanda founded the Bodegas Valdemar in 1985. In just a few years, the Oyón-based winery became one of the most successful producers of the DOC, mainly thanks to a revised classic style with unclouded, intense fruit and crystal-clear tannins. For decades, Bodegas Valdemar has been one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Spain. There is hardly any other place where experience, skill and the urge to innovate flow so skilfully into winemaking. In the 1980s, for example, computer-controlled fermentation was introduced as the first Spanish winery. A decision that marked the beginning of a new style in Rioja. In the same decade followed the first Reserva made from 100% Garnacha and the first Spanish white wine fermented in wooden barrels (Alto Cantabria). At the beginning of the 21st century, the pioneers presented the first varietal Graciano and Maturana wines and revived the Tempranillo Blanc with another varietal creation. The mixture of tradition and innovation - perfectly implemented with the Conde Valdemar brand - inspires experienced wine connoisseurs as well as the quality-oriented audience of the younger generation. Conde Valdemar is one of the most renowned brands in Rioja. A good 90 percent of the line is made up of classified red wines: Crianzas, Reservas and Gran Reservas.