The colour is deep ruby. On the nose dried berry fruits, spices, vanilla and balsamic notes. In the mouth flavourful and fresh, with a drying finish. The aftertaste last for a long while and reminds of cherries.
Faustino I is a blend of 80% Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo grapes, made in the Rioja wine region of Spain. It is released for sale after a minimum of 25 months aging in French and American oak barrels, and at least 3 years in the bottle.
This Gran Reserva is produced by Bodegas Faustino, a family owned and run winery since 1861. Nowadays it is the largest vineyard owner in Rioja. The company produces around 20 million bottles of wine a year, exported to more than 100 countries around the world.
Bodegas Faustino is committed to the traditional style of Rioja. The winery stores roughly 50’000 oak barrels and has a permanent collection of 9 million bottles resting in its cellars.
Each wine is labelled Faustino followed by a Roman numeral indicating the level, the top level having the number I, the middle V and the entry level VII.
For this bottle I paid 14.50 CHF at Coop, 33% off the regular price of 21.95 CHF. I find it delivers very good value for the price paid.
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
Type: Red
Vintage: 2009
Producer: Bodegas Faustino
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5