At Madrid Fusión 2024, Antonio Díez from Bodega y Viñedos Martín Verdugo in Aranda de Duero shared the inspiring journey of his family-owned winery and its evolution. The story of Martín Verdugo is a testament to innovation, resilience, and deep respect for the winemaking traditions of Ribera del Duero.
A Family-Owned Winery with Deep Roots
Bodega y Viñedos Martín Verdugo was founded 34 years ago by Josefina Martín Verdugo. The winery was established on rocky land where nothing seemed to grow, yet the family planted vineyards in the 1990s and built the winery in 2000. Since then, they have continuously reinvested in improving their winemaking processes and expanding their expertise.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
One of the most significant challenges the winery faced was a devastating fire in 2013, which completely destroyed the facility. Instead of giving up, the Díez family saw this as an opportunity to rebuild and improve. They implemented a gravity-fed winemaking system, eliminating the need for pumps, which preserves the quality of the wine. This method ensures a gentler extraction of tannins, resulting in softer and smoother wines.
Innovation in Winemaking
After the fire, the winery shifted toward more sustainable and natural winemaking techniques. Since 2015, they have managed their vineyards organically, achieving certification in 2017. This change has not only reduced the use of chemical treatments but also enhanced grape quality, resulting in richer, more aromatic wines. Antonio explained that when vines are well-balanced and properly nourished, they produce grapes with higher concentration of flavors and aromas.
The Value of Terroir and Climate
The winery’s location in Ribera del Duero, at 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level, provides an ideal climate for growing grapes. The drastic temperature variations between day and night help develop thicker grape skins, where aromas and colors are concentrated. This results in wines with naturally intense structure and body, a signature characteristic of Ribera del Duero wines.
Organic Wines: Primera Fruta and Parcela 100
Antonio introduced two of the winery’s organic wines:
- Primera Fruta – A fresh, unoaked wine that showcases the pure expression of the grape with bright aromas and complexity.
- Parcela 100 – A wine aged for 10 months in barrels, featuring a refined, velvety tannin profile, making it an ideal pairing for traditional dishes like roasted suckling lamb (lechazo asado).
An Invitation to Visit the Winery
Antonio extended an invitation to visit Bodega y Viñedos Martín Verdugo in Aranda de Duero, offering a firsthand experience of the winemaking process and the beauty of their vineyards. Guests can witness the dedication and care behind every bottle of wine, reflecting the true essence of Ribera del Duero.
Martín Verdugo: A Model of Innovation and Tradition
Bodega y Viñedos Martín Verdugo stands as an example of how innovation, sustainability, and tradition can coexist in modern winemaking. The resilience and commitment of the Díez family have resulted in exceptional wines that not only capture the essence of Ribera del Duero but also reflect the spirit of perseverance and dedication of their producers.
For more information, visit:
🔗 Bodega y Viñedos Martín Verdugo
🔗 Madrid Fusión 🔗 Ribera del Duero
