Familia Fernández Rivera Tasting at Fine Wines Direct UK by Neil Cammies

It was no surprise that the Familia Fernández Rivera tasting at Fine Wines Direct UK was its most subscribed event, other than the annual classic Christmas knee’s up.

It’s testament to the affection that the wine loving public, in and around Cardiff, have for the range on wines on offer from this iconic Spanish winery.

The history of Familia Fernández Rivera began with the ingenuity of Alejandro Fernández and Esperanza Rivera, as well as the hard work and unity of the family. Together they created – according to the influential of wine critics, Robert Parker – one of the best wines in the world.

Thanks to the wines made by Alejandro Fernández, the head of Familia Fernández Rivera, word began to spread about Ribera del Duero’s potential, and its effect on the tempranillo variety.

So much so that in 1982, the Designation of Origin Ribera del Duero was created. Alongside famous names like Protos and Vega Sicilia this DO, gained fans across the world, showing it’s aging potential and elegance in abundance.

The group now boasts four wineries, a hotel and a team comprised of more than 120 people. Familia Fernández Rivera has known how to adapt to the times. At present, its wines and products are sold in more than 70 countries.

As the audience enjoyed a glass of El Vinculo Alejairen, from La Mancha, a white wine hewn from the airen grape variety, host Juan regaled us with tales of the pioneering attitude of this extraordinary wine family.

The red wines followed thick and fast, giving us a glorious insight into the styles from differing regions, as well as showing us the versatilty of the tempranillo grape.

First up was the Condado de Haza Crianza, a rich concentrated drop that has had 12 months in oak and 22 months aging in bottle. An absolute crowd pleaser that shows a little sweetness and glorious tannic structure.

Then came the Pesquera Crianza 2022, a red that shows the aging potential of the range of wines. This could happily do another 5 to 10 years without breaking sweat, and will reward those who are able to show such patience.

Next, the Condado de Haza Reserva 2020, which has had 18 months in American oak and 24 months in bottle resulting and a big, showy red that is just crying out for a large Sunday roast and an open fire.

The Pesquera Reserva 2020 that followed, showed such elegance and restraint, and would easily give the wines of bordeaux a run for there money. The attention to detail with touches of liquorice spice and luxurious fruit is a rather lovely thing to behold and underlines the quality found in the Ribera del Duero region.

We finished the evening with a pair of wines that sit well within the luxury marketplace, so it was a real privilege to have a taste of the Pesquera Gran Reserva Millenium 2018 and the iconic Pesquera Gran Reserva Janus 2018.

Both wines showed a plushness to the elegant fruit and while the ‘Millenium’ is more than a hundred pounds less expensive than the ‘Janus’, it really holds its own in terms of luxurious delivery of luscious dark fruits.

When you get the this level of wine making it’s very difficult to pick out a favourite.

Needless to say everyone had the best time at the tasting on Penarth Road and Jonathan has again delivered a first class event.

If you ever get the opportunity to attend a tasting with the team at Fine Wines Direct UK, on Penarth Road, grab it with both hands.

You can find details of upcoming events on their website and the wines are available online or at the gorgeous wine shop at 242, Penarth Road, Cardiff.

It’s like an adult sweet shop, but when the world seems to be all doom and gloom its always nice to have a bit of joy in our lives. So, pop in and have a browse.