Conde de Valdemar Rioja Martinez Bujanda 1996
This 1996 Conde de Valdemar Crianza is produced by Bodegas Martinez Bujanda, an estate established in 1889. The wine is crafted from a blend of Tempranillo and Mazuelo grapes sourced from the estate's vineyards in Oyon, Logroño, and Ausejo. The 1996 harvest commenced in the last week of September, benefiting from adequate rainfall and excellent sanitary conditions in the vineyards. This specific vintage in the region is described as elegant and fresh, earning a score of 87 points.
The wine originates from Rioja in northern Spain, a region holding the country's highest quality classification, DOCa. Situated along the Ebro river valley, the area is geographically protected by the Cantabrian Mountains to the north, which shield the vines from cold Atlantic winds, and the Demanda mountain range to the south. Rioja's modern winemaking history was heavily influenced by French vintners in the 19th century. The region is particularly noted for its long-standing tradition of oak aging, which defines classifications such as Crianza.
Tempranillo serves as the foundational grape of the region and this blend. It is complemented by Mazuelo, the traditional Rioja name for the grape internationally known as Carignan. Originating from Aragon in northeastern Spain, Mazuelo is a highly productive, drought-tolerant vine that requires long, warm summers to reach full maturity. While it typically constitutes a smaller percentage of classic Rioja blends, it plays a crucial role by contributing natural acidity, color, and structural tannins to the wine.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Rioja
Rioja in northern Spain is the country's most famous wine region with a modern wine history shaped by French winemakers in the 19th century. Tempranillo is the main grape, often blended with Garnacha, and the wines are defined by their aging in oak barrels, classified as Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. The result is soft, mature red wines with red berries, vanilla, leather and spice.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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