Faustino

Bodegas Faustino – Tradition, patience and the world's best-selling Gran Reserva

Some wineries make wine history not by chance, but through perseverance. Bodegas Faustino in Oyón, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, is one such estate. The Martínez family has been rooted here since 1861 – and what began as a bulk wine business is today one of the most renowned wine brands worldwide, present in over 140 countries.

One family, four generations, one clear line

In 1861, Eleuterio Martínez Arzok acquired the palace and vineyards of the Marqués del Pierto in Oyón, laying the foundation for the winery's success. Initially, the business produced solid, but unremarkable, bulk wine. The decisive change came with the second generation: Faustino Martínez Pérez de Albéniz took over in 1930 and was the first winemaker in all of Rioja to bottle his wine. A bold move that set the course for everything that followed.

In 1957, Julio Faustino Martínez, representing the third generation, took the helm and consistently pursued internationalization. In the 1960s, the company ventured into the international market, laying the foundation for its global success. As a tribute to his grandfather, Julio launched the first vintage of Faustino I Gran Reserva in 1964, using the base wine from the 1958 vintage. Today, the fourth generation's daughters, Lourdes and Carmen Martínez Zabala , continue to lead the company. The British magazine Drinks International ranks the Martínez Zabala family among the 50 most prestigious producers in the international wine world.

Wines and style: Maturity takes time

Faustino's philosophy is clear: wines are only released when they have achieved perfect balance. This approach is nowhere more evident than in the Faustino I Gran Reserva – a blend predominantly of Tempranillo, complemented by Graciano and Mazuelo, produced only in the best vintages. Long aging in oak barrels is a given. The cellar holds approximately 50,000 oak barrels ; at the same time, around 9 million bottles are always stored on-site. The Faustino I Gran Reserva is currently considered the world's best-selling Gran Reserva .

The range is clearly structured. The numbering system using Roman numerals makes the hierarchy immediately understandable: Faustino I represents the highest level in the Gran Reserva category, Faustino V the mid-range, classic segment, and Faustino VII the lively and fruity entry-level wine. The Faustino VII Tinto impresses with fresh aromas of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries – uncomplicated and ready to drink. The Faustino V is a mild, balanced classic with the typical vanilla touch that reflects the signature style of Rioja Alavesa.

The brand's visual identity is also unmistakable: all Faustino labels feature the portrait of Nicolaes van Bambeeck , painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1641. Van Bambeeck was a wealthy merchant who made his fortune, among other things, with Spanish wine – a connection that could hardly be more fitting. The Faustino I Gran Reserva also features the iconic image and the characteristic net wrapping around the bottle.

Rioja Alavesa: Terroir with an Atlantic character

The winery is located in Oyón (Oion) , in the province of Álava, in northern Spain. The vineyards cover approximately 650 hectares in the Logroño, Laguardia, Mendavia, and Oyón appellations, all within the Rioja DOCa . The altitude of 450 to 550 meters, the cool, Atlantic-influenced climate , and the calcareous soils characteristically shape the Rioja Alavesa terroir: the wines exhibit more freshness and elegance than the often heavier wines from the hotter southern part of the appellation. Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, and Viura are the main grape varieties.

Sustainability is not a marketing term for the company, but a lived practice: In 2023, Bodegas Faustino was the first winery in Rioja to be awarded the “Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection” (SWfCP) certificate – proof of the avoidance of chemical pesticides and the conscious handling of the region.

Grupo Faustino

Faustino is not alone. Besides its headquarters in Oyón, the Grupo Faustino includes other renowned wineries: Campillo and Marqués de Vitoria in Rioja, Bodegas Portia in Ribera del Duero, Valcarlos in Navarra, and Condesa de Leganza in La Mancha. A group that covers the entire spectrum of the Spanish wine landscape.

Faustino at Vinoscout

At Vinoscout you'll find 15 wines from Faustino – from accessible entry-level wines to mature collector's items. The range includes the Faustino VII Tinto Rioja and the Faustino VII Rosado , the fruity Faustino V Blanco Rioja and the classic Faustino V Reserva , and the Faustino I Gran Reserva .

• Faustino VII Tinto Rioja – fruity, lively, the ideal everyday wine
• Faustino VII Rosado – fresh rosé from Rioja Alavesa
• Faustino V Blanco Rioja – a characterful white wine from Viura
• Faustino V Reserva – the mild classic with a touch of vanilla
• Faustino I Gran Reserva – the world's best-selling Gran Reserva