{"id":1558086,"date":"2025-12-12T17:37:25","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T17:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.67pallmall.com\/?p=1558086"},"modified":"2025-12-12T17:37:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T17:37:27","slug":"two-minutes-with-julio-saenz-la-rioja-alta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.67pallmall.com\/two-minutes-with-julio-saenz-la-rioja-alta\/","title":{"rendered":"TWO MINUTES WITH | Julio S\u00e1enz, La Rioja Alta"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Julio S\u00e1enz trained as a pharmaceutical chemist before taking a degree in viticulture and oenology and joining the historic La Rioja Alta estate in 1996, as Head of Quality Control. In 2005 he became Head Winemaker and Technical Director across the whole group, overseeing winemaking at all four properties: the traditional La Rioja Alta itself; the more modern, site-driven Torre de O\u00f1a; Aster in Ribera del Duero; and Lagar de Cervera in Rias Baixas<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is your \u2018last supper\u2019 wine?<\/strong>
If I can\u2019t choose the 2010 vintage of our Gran Reserva 890, then for a red wine, it would be a nicely mature bottle of Penfolds Grange. I\u2019ve been tasting this wine for more than 25 years, and with only a few exceptions it always delivers something remarkable. Its consistency, depth and ageing potential make it a true benchmark. And I\u2019d like to end my last supper with something sweet, elegant and unapologetically indulgent. So please can I have a Ch\u00e2teau d\u2019Yquem too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is your dream vineyard?<\/strong>
Without a doubt, Burgundy. It\u2019s a truly privileged region, and the wines\u2019 ability to evolve over decades never ceases to amaze me. We aspire to craft wines in a similar spirit: profound, refined and capable of gaining complexity and beauty with age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is your wine hero? <\/strong>
Jos\u00e9 Gallego \u2013 my predecessor as winemaker at La Rioja Alta. He hired me 30 years ago and taught him how to craft the wines. His ability as a blender was fantastic, a skill he totally mastered, and which is absolutely integral when it comes to ensuring the brand\u2019s identity and consistency vintage after vintage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s the next big thing in wine<\/strong>?<\/strong>
I believe we will see a renaissance of wines with extended ageing in barrel and in bottle. Ultimately, the classic approach always returns \u2013 it has proven its value over generations and still resonates with consumers seeking authenticity and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your favourite wine memory?\u202f\u00a0<\/strong>
My visit to Domaine de la Roman\u00e9e-Conti.\u00a0Experiencing such a legendary estate first-hand was unforgettable \u2013 a moment of pure inspiration that I will always treasure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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