Francisco Barona

The third generation of a local family of winegrowers, winemaker Francisco Barona studied Viticulture and Oenology in Bordeaux. Once he got his degree, he cut his teeth working at different wineries in France, USA and South-Africa for several years.

After getting back to his native land with the aim of starting his personal wine project, in 2011 Francisco Barona bought 5 very old Grand Cru vineyards in 3 villages of DO Ribera del Duero. Before passing into the hands of Mr. Barona, these low-yielding vineyards had been a part of the Vega Sicilia estate.

At present, Bodega Francisco Barona farms 26 hectares of vineyards, including 28 Grand Cru sites planted with over 100-year-old vines. The main variety is Tinto Fino, the defining grape of the region, followed by Grenache, Jaén Tinta, Jaén Blanca, Monastrell and Albillo, a white variety indigenous to Ribera del Duero. The soils, composed of sand, slime and limestone, are protected by a vegetal cover and left unplowed. With respect to winegrowing, this small-production winery from Ribera del Duero follows the guidelines of organic agriculture, and it also applies some biodynamic techniques. Chemicals and pesticides are not utilized at all, and the use of sulfur and copper is very circumspect.

As regards winemaking, the Francisco Barona winery follows a minimal intervention approach inspired by the local traditions. The grapes are spontaneously fermented using only wild yeasts. The malolactic fermentation is carried out in new French oak barrels. Finally, the wines of Francisco Barona are aged in oak for 15 to 20 months, depending on the vintage.

To underscore the personal character of the project, the first wine of Bodega Francisco Barona, which was launched onto the market in 2014, was named after the founder and current owner of the winery.

The wines of Francisco Barona are the result of combining a one-of-a-kind terroir, some very old vineyards, an exquisite winemaking approach and a deep love of the land. Their elegance and finesse is matched by few producers in Ribera del Duero.

• Year of foundation: 2011
• Address: C/ La Olma, 18
• City: Pedrosa de Duero
  
• Province: Burgos
• Zip code: 09314
  
• Country: Spain
• Phone number: +34 637.182.951
  
• www.franciscobarona.com
• Guided visits? Yes
• Wine tourism services?  No

Designation of origin:

DO Ribera del Duero

Red wine varieties:

Tinto Fino, Grenache, Jaén Tinta, Monastrell.

White wine varities:

Jaén Blanca, Albillo.