Highly regarded, José Gil and his Uruguayan wife, Vicky Fernández, belong to the emerging crop of creative young winemakers who are pushing the Rioja wine scene in exciting new directions. They refuse mediocrity and ply their skills and competence pushing their region, and by extension, Rioja wine in new directions.

At their estate which they baptised 'Vignerons de la Sonsierra', José and Vicky focus on expressing the uniqueness of their terroirs, as are great producers in Burgundy.

Gil was born to a family of wine growers in the hills around San Vincente and upon completing his studies, he naturally came back home. In 2012 at the age of 22, while working alongside his father and uncle, he bought a couple of hectares of ancient bush vines. Countless hours were also spent working with his late grandfather who taught him what no one else did at university. Adamant to make his own wine, he also purchased an ancient cellar 'calado' dug into the stone below the castle of San Vincente, which he restored with his own hands.

Today, essentially by themselves, José & Vicky farm 12ha of Tempranillo co-planted with small amounts of Garnacha, Viura, and Palomino. Some parcels are perched at an altitude of 600m and the meticulous, strenuous and unforgiving vineyard tasks are entirely done by hand.

Their beautifully restored patchwork vines are immaculately kept. Fervent artisans of the land, they are devoted to growing healthy grapes organically. Their wines are aged in the 'calado' eschewing new oak.

2016 saw José’s first vintage. His wines were a revelation. He was only 26. Often referring to Burgundy, José believes that one day, Rioja’s prized parcels will be elevated to 1er Cru status. 

Together, José & Vicky craft remarkable wines with a soul. They are characterised by their exquisite purity of fruit, finesse, elegance and impressive balance. We’re extremely proud to represent them in Ireland.

Profile © Françoise and Seán Gilley