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THREE WINES FROM THE FERNÁNDEZ RIVERA FAMILY ARE AMONGST THE TOP 100 BEST WINES IN SPAIN ACCORDING TO THE CRITIC JAMES SUCKLING
The American critic, James Suckling, has placed three of Familia Fernández Rivera’s wines on his annual list of “The 100 best wines of Spain”. 20 Aldeas 2018, Condado de Haza Reserva 2016 and Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2016 are the reds that the critic has included in this prestigious list, consolidating the exceptionality of the wines of the winegrowing group, reference and main promoter of the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin.
The Fernández Rivera family continues to consolidate the exceptionality and quality of its wines on an international level. Proof of this are the recent evaluations of the American critic James Suckling, who has included three of Familia Fernández Rivera’s wines on his annual list of “The 100 best wines of Spain.”
20 Aldeas 2018, Condado de Haza Reserva 2016 and Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2016 are the three reds of the wine group that are included in this list of the best wines in the country according to the critic. Thus, 20 Aldeas, owned by Condado de Haza wineries, continues to set milestones for the Fernández Rivera Family by ranking 53 on this list with 95 points. Despite its youth – it saw the light at the beginning of 2020 – this 100% organic and 100% Tempranillo wine has managed to establish itself on its own merits in the national and international wine markets. The keys to its success: its nose of black fruits, typical licorice of the Tempranillo variety and its aroma of roasted notes such as vanilla, coffee caramel and light smoked –coming from aging in American oak barrels – that manage to endow this red wine of a unique personality.
To all this we must add the characteristics of the climate of 2018. In this sense, 2017 was marked by the scarce rains that finally made their appearance at the end of the winter and were maintained continuously until well into 2018. “The vegetative development of the plants were favored by the temperature regime and the water reserves, which also caused a considerable increase in the size of the berries”, points out Pons. And he adds: “Thanks to this, the harvest was extended giving an exceptional production, both in quantity and quality.”
Condado de Haza Reserva 2016 also joins the list of “The 100 best wines in Spain”, according to James Suckling. In particular, the wine critic has awarded 94 points to this Tempranillo, placing it in the 87th position on the list. Condado de Haza Reserva 2016 is characterized by a clean and bright cherry color view, by a complex nose with fresh black fruit, dairy and pastry notes and hints of roasted coffee, vanilla and spices such as pepper.
Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2016 is ranked 97 in this list with a score of 94 points. It´s an intense purple Tempranillo that presents a complex nose with notes of blueberries, white pepper, cinnamon hints of nuts; and a balanced, wide and creamy entry on the palate with the presence of black fruit, licorice and menthol.
Both wines –Condado de Haza Reserva 2016 and Tinto Pesquera Reserva– share a vintage: 2016. This year was very warm as the first frosts did not arrive until November and December. Also, spring brought cooler temperatures, a fact that did not affect the budding cycle that evolved in the usual way and allowed the harvest to take place during the month of September.
The scores awarded by the critic James Suckling consolidate the exceptionality and quality of the wines from Familia Fernández Rivera’s wineries not only in Spain, but also in the international markets. This way, the winegrowing group continues with its commitment to being a benchmark and main promoter of the Ribera del Duero Denomination of Origin, as well as one of the greatest exponents of this Denomination and of the wines made in Spain outside our borders.