Goyo Garcia Viadero
– Ribera del Duero, Spain
In Ribera del Duero, vine-covered hills follow the Duero River’s course. Beyond these vineyards lies the ‘Montes de Duero,’ an expanse of oak forests and native plants. These woodlands play a crucial role in shaping the region’s ecosystem and provide a habitat for a variety of local wildlife.
Gumiel del Mercado is home to Goyo’s winery, a gem just a two-hour drive north of Madrid, with vineyards situated at over 800 meters above sea level.
Goyo Garcia Viadero’s journey into wine making started at just 14, simultaneous to his agronomy studies. Guided by his grandfather’s traditional methods, he crafted his first wine at 21. After university, he managed a 1,000-hectare estate in La Mancha, producing olive oil, cheese, and wine. Yet, in 2003, he returned to his roots, purchasing and overseeing his first fincas.
Goyo stands apart as a “black sheep” in his region, preferring the winemaking techniques of his grandparents over modern techniques. He carries forward a family legacy of hundreds of years in viticulture. Goyo champions the revival of old vines and traditional, low-density bush vines.
Managing over 40 hectares, he vinifies around 10 hectares while supplying grapes to industry leaders like Dominio de Atauta and Pesquera. His vineyards, averaging over 80 years old, are chemical-free, with regular soil plowing and the use of sheep manure. Wines mature underground, a practice he calls the “Antigua way.”
In 2003, Goyo acquired three vine parcels, each planted on distinct soils—Finca Valdeolmos, Finca El Peruco, and Finca Viñas de Arcilla. Today, he and his wife produce around 2,500 bottles per parcel annually, embodying their dedication to heritage and excellence.
Cultivation: 40 ha
Production: 2,500 bottles/year per parcel
Varieties: Tempranillo, Graciano, Albillo, and Malvasia
Approach: Organic, Biodynamic
Certifications:
Sulfites: N/A
