Cosecha 2016 – Great wines of Rioja

Introduction

Cosecha 2016 is a natural Tempranillo wine from Rioja, crafted by Pedro Balda, one of Spain’s most innovative young winemakers. The grapes come from the small vineyard “Majuelo de la Nava,” planted by Pedro’s grandfather. The wine represents six generations of family dedication, expressing the authentic character of the Rioja terroir.

Vineyard and viticulture

The vineyard covers 0.5 ha, with vines averaging 65 years old, providing exceptional aromatic concentration and complexity. Viticulture is fully natural, without pesticides or chemical treatments. Harvest is manual, selecting only the healthiest and ripest clusters.

Winemaking and aging

Cosecha 2016 undergoes pseudo-carbonic maceration 3-4 days after harvest. No post-fermentation maceration is applied. After pressing, the wine ages 14 months in barriques, completing malolactic fermentation, and then 5-6 months in stainless steel, preserving balance and aromatic purity. No sulfites are added and the wine is unfiltered, following Pedro Balda’s natural philosophy.

Tasting notes

Ripe red fruits, cherries, raspberries, and subtle spice notes emerge on the nose. On the palate, it is balanced with soft tannins, lively acidity, and long persistence. The mineral character of Rioja is naturally expressed, making Cosecha 2016 an authentic experience of the region.

Technical sheet

• Region: Rioja

• Grape variety: 100% Tempranillo

• Appellation: Rioja DOC

• Vineyard: 0.5 ha (Majuelo de la Nava)

• Average vine age: 65 years

• Viticulture: Natural

• Harvest: Manual

• Winemaking: Pseudo-carbonic maceration, 14 months in barriques (malolactic completed)

• Aging: 5-6 months in stainless steel

• Fining: –

• Filtration: No

• SO2 added: No

• Production: 1,000 bottles

Pedro Balda: Pioneer of Natural Wine in Rioja

A rising talent in Spanish winemaking

Pedro Balda is widely recognized as one of Spain’s most talented and promising young winemakers. In 2014, he was named among the Top 10 New Spanish Producers, consolidating his reputation as a leading figure in the new generation of Spanish viticulture. His philosophy revolves around authenticity, respect for nature, and the preservation of family heritage.

International experience and return to roots

After working in iconic wineries across Chile, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, Pedro returned to Spain to establish his own project. In 2008, he launched a small personal venture in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Rioja, embracing natural viticulture and becoming a pioneer of this approach in a traditionally classic region.

The vineyard “Majuelo de la Nava”

At the heart of his project lies the “Majuelo de la Nava” vineyard, planted by Pedro’s grandfather. Located in one of the coolest and windiest areas of San Vicente, it covers just over half a hectare with vines over 65 years old. From these historic plants, Pedro produces two distinct wines, both faithful expressions of Tempranillo.

Two wines, one philosophy

From the same vineyard, Pedro crafts two unique wines:

• Vendimia Seleccionada: from the smallest, less compact bunches, hand-selected one by one.

• Cosecha: from the remaining clusters harvested later.

These wines pay tribute to the six generations of the Balda family, who dedicated their lives to tending the vines with passion and sacrifice.

Natural winemaking and cultural memory

Pedro vinifies without adding sulfites, allowing natural processes to unfold freely. His labels feature ancient words from Sonsierra’s viticultural tradition, now almost forgotten, with the intention of keeping them alive and sharing their meaning.