Viñedos de Aldeanueva

Quality-driven co-operative, Viñedos de Aldeanueva, has the biggest area under vine in Rioja. Bodegas San Isidro was founded in 1956 by a group of growers in the town of Valdenueva de Ebro to combat the power of the few buyers at the time who took advantage of the isolated nature of individual producers. Expansion followed in the 1960s and a bottling plant was installed in the 1970s which enabled them to start selling in bottle – predominantly locally. Following burgeoning sales and an updated bottling line in the 1980s, there was a major expansion and modernisation programme in 1995, (and a name change to Viñedos de Valdenueva). In 2001, new management was brought in to increase the level of professionalism and sales expanded to 13 million bottles a year. They now have three wineries, including the new Fincas de Azabache which produces top quality wines, and a 40% stake in Viña Hermiñia. The vineyard area is now around 3000 ha, the largest in Rioja, with about 250 growers ranging in size from under half a hectare to over 10 ha. They are situated between the Ebro River up to Monte Yerga, with a variety of different soils and a multitude of grape varieties, meaning that harvest lasts more than a month! Growers are paid according to quality which can be a difference of 40%. They use a wide range of techniques, ancient and modern, that support the winery’s commitment to environmental conservation which  ultimately leads to improved grapes and wine. Most fermentation is in stainless steel and ageing is in their dedicated ageing cellars.