In a world where many young people seek opportunities in big cities, there is a new generation of winemakers who choose to stay in their village, working diligently in the fields to bottle the best possible expression of their land. These passionate youths are revitalising their rural communities, bringing innovation and a deep respect for tradition to viticulture. With their knowledge, dedication, and love for the terroir, they are creating exceptional wines that reflect the authenticity and richness of their regions. This is how Jose Gil, along with his partner Vicky Fernández, embarked on their own project in the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in La Rioja, drawing inspiration from the Burgundian style to enhance and solidify a landscape, a brand, and a region.
Their wine Jose Gil Viñedos en Labastida is a blend of tempranillo and garnacha with a small percentage of the white varieties viura and palomino. Vines aged between 45 and 80 years are cultivated organically without herbicides. The harvest is done manually in 200-kilogram crates and immediately transported to the winery to begin vinification. First, the grapes are selected and destemmed with a small percentage of stems, then fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. Finally, the wine ages in concrete and used 500-litre French oak barrels in a curious cellar situated on the slopes of the San Vicente de la Sonsierra castle.
Thus, each bottle of Jose Gil Viñedos en Labastida tells a story of effort and connection with nature. A red wine that perfectly reflects the terroir and demonstrates that staying in the village is not a sacrifice, but a choice filled with purpose and passion.