Vendemia Seleccionada 2014 – Rioja DOC

A rare and precious Tempranillo from Rioja

Vendemia Seleccionada 2014 is a truly artisanal wine, produced in very limited quantities from a historic 0.5-hectare vineyard in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Rioja. With only 400 bottles made, this wine showcases the authenticity of Tempranillo and pays tribute to family tradition.

Old vines and natural viticulture

The vineyard is planted with 65-year-old vines, cultivated using strictly natural practices without chemicals or synthetic treatments. Harvest is carried out by hand, ensuring only the best clusters are selected for vinification.

Unique winemaking with carbonic maceration

Vinification is performed through carbonic maceration without stems, which begins spontaneously after 4–6 days. After pressing, the wine completes its malolactic fermentation in 300 L oak barrels, resulting in a Tempranillo full of complexity and freshness.

Long aging and minimal intervention

The wine is aged for about 18 months in oak barrels, with no clarification, no filtration, and no added sulfites. This natural approach preserves the essence of the grape and allows the wine to evolve harmoniously over time.

A tribute to heritage and memory

Vendemia Seleccionada 2014 represents more than a wine: it is a homage to the six generations of Pedro Balda’s family who dedicated their lives to viticulture in Rioja. A rare, pure and deeply personal expression of Tempranillo.

Technical Sheet – Vendemia Seleccionada 2014

• Region: Rioja

• Variety: 100% Tempranillo

• Appellation: Rioja DOC

• Vineyard size: 0.5 ha

• Average vine age: 65 years

• Viticulture: Natural

• Harvest: Manual

• Vinification: carbonic maceration without stems, fermentation starts after 4–6 days; no post-fermentation maceration; malolactic in 300 L barrels

• Aging: 18 months in oak barrels

• Clarification: –

• Filtration: No

• SO₂ added: No

• Production: 400 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.