GGV Reserva Especial 2016 – Ribera del Duero

Wine History

The GGV Reserva Especial 2016 originates from the blend of the cru Vinas de Arcilla, Valdeolmos, and El Peruco, selected from the oldest vineyards in Ribera del Duero. With an average vine age of over 100 years, these Tempranillo vines give depth, complexity, and an authentic connection to the region’s historic terroir. Production is extremely limited, with only 600 bottles, making this wine a rare and precious expression.

Vineyard Philosophy

Natural viticulture is at the heart of this wine. Harvesting is completely manual, preserving the integrity of the grapes and maintaining natural acidity. Vineyards are managed without chemical interventions, respecting biodiversity and soil fertility. This approach ensures that each plot faithfully expresses its unique character.

Winemaking Approach

Each single plot is aged 3 years in barrel, then wines are blended and matured for an additional 2 years in fine-grain French oak barrels. No SO2 is added, and there is no clarification or filtration, allowing the wine to retain its purity, aromatic complexity, and elegant structure. The final blend highlights the individual identity of each cru, creating a harmonious and refined wine.

Tasting Notes

• Color: deep ruby red with garnet reflections.

• Nose: complex, with ripe red fruit aromas, balsamic hints, and delicate spices.

• Palate: elegant, structured, and long, with silky tannins and a persistent finish.
  Pairing: ideal with roasted red meats, game, aged cheeses, and traditional Spanish dishes.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Ribera del Duero

• Grape: 100% Tempranillo

• Appellation: Ribera del Duero

• Average Vine Age: 100 years

• Viticulture: Natural

• Harvest: Manual

• Winemaking: Blend of cru Vinas de Arcilla, Valdeolmos, and El Peruco

• Aging: 3 years in single barrel, 2 years in French oak barrels

• Clarification/Filtration: None

• SO2 Added: No

• Production: 600 bottles

• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C

Goyo García Viadero: Pioneer of Natural Wine in Ribera del Duero

Origins and Philosophy

Goyo García Viadero was born into a family of winemakers: his parents founded the renowned Bodega Valduero in 1984, one of the pioneering wineries in Ribera del Duero. After earning a degree in agricultural engineering in 2003, Goyo decided to revive the authentic wines of the region, moving away from modern trends that had made wines impersonal. Together with his wife Diana, he restored century-old vineyards and highlighted the historic terroir, bottling his first wine in 2008.

Terroir and Vineyards

The estate includes 40 hectares in Ribera del Duero and an additional 8 hectares in the Liébana Valley in Cantabria, Diana’s birthplace. All vineyards are situated at high altitudes, between 800 and nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, ensuring natural freshness and acidity. Each plot is managed individually to maximize terroir expression and grape variety, including co-planted Tempranillo and Albillo in older vineyards.

Winemaking Method

Goyo harvests early to preserve acidity and works exclusively with slow, spontaneous fermentations. Wines are aged solely in used oak, with no added sulfites or additives, preserving purity and aromatic integrity. The winery, carved into rock in Gumiel del Mercado, creates an ideal microclimate for natural fermentation and aging.

Grape Varieties

Tempranillo, Graciano, Albillo, and Malvasia form the backbone of Goyo’s wines. Co-planting Tempranillo and Albillo in the oldest vineyards results in complex wines balanced between acidity, fruit, and minerality.

Recognition and Outlook

Initially called “the black sheep of Ribera,” Goyo García Viadero is now regarded as one of the region’s most promising producers. His focus on terroir, natural winemaking, and century-old vineyards makes him a reference point for those seeking authentic and age-worthy wines.

Technical Details:

• Producer: Goyo García Viadero

• Region: Ribera del Duero & Liébana Valley

• Grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano, Albillo, Malvasia

• Bottle: 0.75 l

• Country: Spain

• Winery: Underground in Gumiel del Mercado