One of the greats of Spanish viticulture and
oenology, for a great project
The words Marqués de Vargas conjure up in the world of wine the story of four generations dedicated to the production and sale of outstanding Rioja wines. This great winery located in one of the most privileged parts of the Rioja Alta region, will from 1 February boast one of the most prestigious oenologists working today: Xavier Ausás.
Born in Girona but raised in Valladolid, 47-year-old Xavier Ausás has trained at the most prestigious French winemaking institutions, such as the School of Viticulture and Oenology of Blanquefort (Bordeaux) and the National Oenology Institute at Paul Sabatier University (Toulouse). He joined Vega Sicilia on a work experience programme, and by the age of just 29 was the head of the technical department of the prestigious Spanish winemaking group, where he produced its iconic wines for 25 years.
For Xavier this new project is a real honour:
“Marqués de Vargas is a flagship among the wineries that helped change the perception of the great wines of Rioja at the end of the last century. A winery with a clear and distinct philosophy, producing unique wines that express the qualities of the Rioja Alta, while at the same time reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the “terroir” they come from”.
“My aim, together with the new team, is to undertake major efforts to improve both the viticulture and the oenological practices, all within the context of a project for qualitative growth and continuous improvement”.
Jordi Viñals, director of Marqués de Vargas, explains this “new signing”:
“At Marqués de Vargas our ambition is to be an indisputable member of any list of the top 10 wines of Rioja. With this aim in mind, it is a real luxury for us to be able to draw on the experience and quality of Xavier, in both professional and human terms. An oenologist who has remained kept Spanish winemaking at the top of the table, competing with the finest wines from around the world”
MARQUÉS DE VARGAS WINERY: The Marqués de Vargas Winery, standing amid its own vineyard in the manner of the grand châteaux of Bordeaux, lies in the Rioja Alta at the heart of the Ebro Valley, and in the famed area of “Los Tres Marqueses”.
The estate covers 70 hectares, with 50 hectares of its own vineyards in production. The red varieties grown are Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha, along with a small and still experimental plantation of Maturana. The vines are cared for like a garden, avoiding the use of any type of herbicide or pesticide. The stocks are lovingly cared for throughout the year, and harvested by hand, with some of the grapes having been thinned out before ripening to increase the quality of the rest.
The winery only produces the estate’s premier red wines:
Marqués de Vargas Reserva, Marqués de Vargas Gran Reserva, Marqués de Vargas Selección Privada in the finest vintages, and in truly exceptional years, the legendary Hacienda Pradolagar.
PCYC Press Office: 91 308 0644
Aquiles Gonzalez – aquiles@pcyc.es
Virginia García – virginia@pcyc.es
Mencía de Morales – mencia@pcyc.es
