Bodegas Franco Españolas
Bodegas Franco Españolas
A strange name perhaps, Franco-Españolas. At least if you don't speak Spanish. But it's really not that odd. The name tells in two words how Rioja came to be. It was when phylloxera struck in Bordeaux that many Frenchmen set their course for northern Spain, settling in Rioja and launching a number of Franco-Spanish ventures. One of them is Bodegas Franco-Españolas, which today ranks among Rioja's most classic and finest producers. The venerable family firm, founded in 1890, boasts a magnificent headquarters in the heart of Rioja's capital Logroño, right by the River Ebro, which was once so important for transporting both wine and materials to the vineyards and cellars. Speaking of cellars, Bodegas Franco-Españolas has preserved most of the old premises in Logroño intact. While much of the production has moved closer to the vineyards, the old cellars in Logroño have been transformed into what can only be described as a mix of museum, warehouse, and event spaces for hire (yes indeed, those interested can rent the venue, for example to celebrate a birthday or why not a wedding?). The wines, then? Oh yes, if they weren't good, we wouldn't be working with them! Here we find classic Rioja at its best in Rioja Bordon, a fantastic and highly personal white wine in Viña Soledad Tete de Cuvee (18 months in American white oak and many years in bottle before release), a more modernly inclined Rioja in Excelso, and much, much more. As if all those fine Riojas weren't enough, Bodegas Franco-Españolas also has a bodega in Ribera del Duero (Valparaiso).
