Familia Martínez Zabala

Faustino I Gran Reserva receives the highest award at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA RECEIVES THE HIGHEST AWARD AT THE CONCOURS MONDIAL DE BRUXELLES

Bodegas Faustino celebrates a new milestone for its iconic Faustino I Gran Reserva wine, as the 2016 vintage has received the Grand Gold Medal at the 32nd Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, held this year in Ningxia, China’s largest wine-producing region. This is the highest recognition granted by the competition and one of the most prestigious on the international circuit. Of the 16 Spanish wines awarded this distinction, only three are from DOCa Rioja, further emphasizing the value of this accolade.

A unique Gran Reserva crafted for today’s wine lover

Faustino I Gran Reserva is the result of dedication and quality behind a careful selection of our best vineyards in Rioja Alavesa. It is a wine with great aging potential, only released when it reaches its peak expression” – Juan José Díez González – Technical Director of Bodegas Faustino.

Faustino I Gran Reserva 2016 comes from selected vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, located at altitudes between 450 and 600 meters on clay-limestone soils. The harvest yields are 30% below the regional average, with a double grape selection process (in the vineyard and again on sorting tables at the winery).

Made with Tempranillo, Mazuelo, and Graciano, Faustino I blends innovation with the tradition of four generations of a family inspired by vineyards. Malolactic fermentation is carried out at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, with daily pump-overs that enhance aromatic extraction and complexity. This wine has aged nine years in the cellar, including at least 30 months in French and American oak barrels—almost double the aging time required by the DOCa Rioja Regulatory Board for this top-tier category.

Tasting notes reveal a deep ruby color with brown hues, aromas of plum, cherry, sweet spices, tobacco, and toffee, and a structured palate with integrated tannins, excellent acidity, and a very long finish.

Grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo.
Alcohol: 14.14% vol.
Total acidity: 5.6 g/L.

With this Grand Gold Medal, Faustino I Gran Reserva 2016 continues to build an impressive record:

• IWC 2025: Gold Medal and 96 points (third consecutive year above 90 points)
• Mundus Vini (Spring) 2025: Grand Gold Medal
• Bacchus 2025: Gold Medal
• Drinks Business Rioja Masters 2024: Gold Medal

International leadership

Faustino I is the best-selling Rioja Gran Reserva worldwide, present in over 140 countries. First released in 1964 (1958 vintage), it has become a symbol of excellence and tradition in aged Rioja wines, holding the largest collection of historic Rioja Gran Reserva vintages available on the market (dating back to 1955).

In 2025, Bodegas Faustino was included for the eighth time in the prestigious The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands ranking by Drinks International, securing the 15th position globally. This marks the eighth appearance of the Faustino brand on this renowned list, cementing a continued trajectory of success.