Ramon Bilbao opens new Rueda winery

By Michelle Perrett

Published: 18 September, 2017

Ramon Bilbao, the Rioja producer, has opened a new winery in Rueda.

It is the first time that the producer - founded in 1924 in Haro, Rioja Alta - has set up an operation in another DO (designated wine area).

Ramón Bilbao is currently both the number one Rioja brand in the Spanish on-trade (7.8% market share) and one of the fastest growing Rioja brands in the off-trade (+29%) in its competitive set [Nielsen data].

Ramón Bilbao is available to the UK on and off-trade via Enotria & Coe.

Chief winemaker Rodolfo Bastida turned to Rueda in search of a white wine with the same quality of its Rioja Reds.

In 2010 the first Ramón Bilbao Verdejo was produced and the 2016 harvest saw it joined by a Sauvignon Blanc.

Over the last two years, the winery had completed 77 trial pits so it can look closely at the multitude of different soils within its vineyards.

“We are very loyal to appellations of origin and when we arrive in a place we do it to stay. We like to build solid, long-term projects,” said Bastida, speaking at the launch of the winery.

“2010 was our first vintage in Rueda, and today we have established ourselves with our own winery.”

He said the move to Rueda represents a “challenge” as it has moved outside its home region.

He added: “We believe Rueda has the potential to produce great wines with wonderful primary flavours, and longevity.”

Bastida sources grapes from 180 hectares of owned vineyards, with access to a further 900 hectares via long-term grower contracts.

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