A True Expression of Riojo with Campo Viejo

A TRUE EXPRESSION of Rioja Campo Viejo is a women-led winery with a passion for sustainable winemaking. By Colleen Thompson

Campo Viejo is a one-of-a-kind winery located in the historic La Rioja region in Northern Spain and is grounded in the principles of sustainable development. Campo Viejo is led by a team of female winemakers and is the first Spanish winery to certify its carbonneutral status, a reflection of its commitment to preserving the land for future generations. The winery became the first certified member of Wineries for Climate Protection. This initiative focuses on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, increasing energy efficiency, decreasing water consumption, and improving waste management.

Built into a hillside, the winery is naturally cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, cutting its heating and cooling costs. The entire winemaking process is enabled by gravity as opposed to being powered by pumps. The process starts with the grapes being destemmed and crushed at the top and then dropping to the next level via gravity to the tanks for fermentation. Renewable electricity provides power instead of fossil fuels. In addition, a focus on saving water, has meant that Campo Viejo needs only 0.77 liters of water to make each bottle of wine, compared with the Spanish average of 2.25 liters. And, cutting 160 grams from the weight of each bottle triggered a 30% drop in the brand’s carbon footprint.

Winemakers Elena Adell, Irene Pérez, and Elena Suárez are dedicated to the principles and traditions of Rioja winemaking, producing wines crafted primarily from Tempranillo grapes sourced from all subregions of Rioja (Alta, Oriental, and Alavesa) used as single varietals or blended. The Red Blend in particular is the result of the three wine makers' collaboration as a team using three grape varieties Tempranillo, Garnacha and Bobal. “The Red Blend is a true representation of the expressiveness of Spain and our shared creative spirits. Each of us has brought a unique ingredient to the table,” explains Chief Wine Maker Elena Adell.

Each bottle of Campo Viejo wine has an informative and consumer-centric back label with details about the intensity, complexity, fruit, pairing recommendations, and serving temperature.

Winemakers Irene Pérez, Elena Adell, Elena Suárez

SuggestingCampoViejo

Cheat Sheet for Bartenders

WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A FEW KEY POINTS ON THE WINERIES RED WINE LINEUP: TEMPRANILLO, GARNACHA, RESERVA, GRAN RESERVA, AND RED BLEND.

Tempranillo

100% Tempranillo; Aged 4 months in American oak barrels; the region’s signature grape can be described as Pinot Noir meets Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a gateway into the Spanish wine category. It showcases the fruit of the Tempranillo grape without much oak influence to allow consumers to understand the flavor profile of Tempranillo first. Pairs well with pasta and tomato sauce, tacos, light cheeses, and grilled vegetables. Best served 59o-61o F.

Garnacha

100% Garnacha; Aged 4 months in French oak barrels; The fruitiest expression of Campo Viejo is mainly crafted from old vines in the Rioja Oriental region. Suggest as an alternative to Pinot Noir and best served chilled as traditionally done in Rioja. Pairs well with grilled vegetables, charcuterie, casserole, and ethnic food. Best served 59o-61o F.

Reserva

85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo; Aged 18 months in French and American oak, and an additional 18 months in bottle to meet the Rioja regional requirements for Reserva. A balance between fruit and smooth spice delivers a more complex expression of Rioja. Pairs well with grilled or roasted fish, poultry or red meat, and blue cheese. Best served 62o-63o F.

Gran Reserva

85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo; Aged two years in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels, and additional three years in bottle to meet the Rioja regional requirements for Gran Reserva. A beautifully aged red that is still fruit-forward. It has more nuanced and integrated flavors while retaining fruit and acidity. Pairs well with red meat, roasts, and blue cheeses. Best served 62o-63o F.

Red Blend

66% Tempranillo, 17% Garnacha, 17% Bobal. A Trilogy: An authentic red blend of three native Spanish varietals and a blend of the skills of the three female winemakers who bring their creativity to make this wine. A premium vibrant quality wine with juicy berries, bright acidity, soft tannin, and medium body. Sourced primarily from Castilla La Mancha, a premium Spanish region, to showcase the authenticity of Spanish grapes. The regionality for this wine can change each vintage to best match the Red Blend concept and maintain consistency. Pairs well with burgers, tapas, risotto, pasta, and light cheeses. Best served 59o-61o F.