Bodega VivaltusCastilla y Leon, Spain

Vivaltus Winery, nestled in the esteemed Ribera del Duero region of Spain, is a modern icon in Spanish viticulture. Founded in 2007 by a group of visionary investors, Vivaltus has swiftly made a name for itself by combining cutting-edge technology with traditional winemaking techniques. The winery's commitment to excellence and innovation has resulted in a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines that showcase the unique character of Ribera del Duero's terroir.

The Vision Behind Vivaltus

The inception of Vivaltus was driven by a desire to create wines that reflect both the rich heritage of Ribera del Duero and the potential for contemporary excellence. The founders, including renowned oenologist Óscar González, set out to establish a winery that would blend innovative practices with a deep respect for the region’s winemaking traditions. Their vision was to produce wines that are not only technically superb but also express the true essence of their origin.

Terroir and Vineyard Management

Vivaltus operates in the heart of Ribera del Duero, an area celebrated for its exceptional conditions for viticulture. The estate encompasses around 50 hectares of vineyards, situated at an altitude of 750 to 900 meters above sea level. This elevation, combined with the region’s clay-limestone soils and a continental climate, creates an ideal environment for growing Tempranillo, the predominant grape variety of Ribera del Duero.

The vineyards benefit from a significant diurnal temperature range, which contributes to the development of complex flavours and balanced acidity in the grapes. Vivaltus employs a combination of traditional and modern vineyard management practices, focusing on sustainable farming techniques to enhance soil health and grape quality. This approach ensures that the wines produced are a true reflection of the vineyard’s unique terroir.

Innovative Winemaking Practices

Vivaltus is renowned for its innovative winemaking techniques, which blend modern technology with traditional methods. The winery utilises state-of-the-art equipment, including temperature-controlled fermentation tanks and advanced barrel aging systems, to achieve precise control over the winemaking process.

The grapes are meticulously sorted and undergo a careful fermentation process, which includes both stainless steel and oak fermentation. This dual approach allows for a harmonious integration of fruit character and oak influence. The wines are aged in a selection of French and American oak barrels, chosen for their ability to impart subtle complexity and depth.

One of Vivaltus’s notable practices is its use of micro-oxygenation, a technique that enhances the wine’s texture and integrates tannins more smoothly. This method, combined with the winery’s commitment to minimal intervention, results in wines that are both refined and expressive.

Wines produced by Vivaltus:

• Vivaltus Reserva: A flagship wine that exemplifies the estate’s dedication to quality. The Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo with a small proportion of other varietals, aged for an extended period in oak barrels. It offers a complex bouquet of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice, with a well-structured palate and a long, elegant finish.

• Vivaltus Crianza: Known for its balance and approachability, the Crianza is a blend of Tempranillo and other local varieties. It is aged for a shorter period in oak, resulting in a wine with vibrant fruit flavours, moderate tannins, and a smooth, harmonious finish.

• Vivaltus Roble: A younger, more expressive wine, the Roble is aged for a shorter time in oak, allowing the fresh fruit character to shine. It features notes of red berries, vanilla, and subtle oak, with a lively and well-rounded profile.