The Spanish wineries have achieved great success in the last 20 years through determination and hard work. Some of the reasons cited for the growth are the efforts made by many wine companies to modernize their infrastructure, making quality wines while promoting and reinforcing the image of excellence of Spanish wines around the world.
Spain is experiencing an oenological boom, a propitious circumstance that causes emotion and pride when we talk about Spanish wines. Significant examples are the excellent vintages from the Marqués de Vargas Wine Group SL, owned by Don Pelayo de la Mata, 13th Marquis de Vargas. De la Mata, who also chairs the Spanish Federation of Spirits, personifies the passion and love for wine inherited from a family that—for generations—has devoted their lives to the Rioja wine, one of the most notable Designations of Origin in Spain.
The nobility title, held by the family of Marquis de Vargas, is closely linked to this Spanish wine region where excellent Rioja wines are produced and marketed. The story dates back to 1840, when Felipe de la Mata, 8th Marqués de Vargas, planted the first vines near Logroño, in La Rioja. Review our curated selection of international vintages.
1. Pelayo de la Mata Marquis de Vargas in the winery.
2. Oenologist Cristina Mantilla.
3. Oenologist Javier Pérez.
As the vineyards flourished, Don Hilario de la Mata, father of the current Marquis de Vargas, inherited and oversaw one of the most emblematic wineries of the La Rioja region. Simultaneously, he owned a successful wine distribution company during the period of General Francisco Franco‘s governance of Spain.
In 1989, Pelayo de la Mata fulfilled his father´s life dream: to create a winery in the Hacienda Pradolagar in Logroño. Nestled in the heart of his vineyards— like a French château— this winery was the first project of the Marqués de Vargas Wine Group. It is located in the core of the fertile valley of the Ebro, in an area known as “The Three Marquis”.
The company grows, in 70 hectares of beautiful and well-maintained vines—without pesticides or herbicides—Tempranillo, Grenache, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. These are used to produce wines that have conquered all markets and won prestigious awards. They include, for example, the Vargas Crianza (made exclusively for the North American market), the Marqués de Vargas Reserve, and Private Reserve, as well as the Hacienda Pradolagar.
Over time, the Marqués de Vargas Wine Group acquired other wineries with significant Spanish appellations of origin, such as Ribera del Duero and Rias Baixas.
In 2000, the business group founded Bodega Conde de San Cristobal in Ribera del Duero, located on the Valdestremero estate in Peñafiel, Valladolid. In 80 hectares, they cultivate Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and tinto fino grapes, which result in two supreme quality wines produced with care and wisdom: Conde De San Cristóbal Crianza and Conde San Cristóbal Raíces.
Finally, in 2003, the family dream of owning a winery in the appellation of origin Rias Baixas became a reality with the purchase of Pazo de San Mauro, one of the oldest wineries in Spain, dating from 1591. Located in Tea County–on the banks of the Minho river–the 30 hectares are used to harvest albariño, Loureiro, treixadura and torrontés grapes, which yield two of the best wines from Rias Baixas: Pazo San Mauro and Sanamaro. The winemakers use two very special processes that highlight the fruits and deliver the freshness that distinguishes the real work of a family that has a passion for wine, land, and traditions. ■
