Word has long since got around that Telmo Rodriguez is one of Spain's absolutely exceptional winemakers. His outstanding reputation as one of the country's top oenologists also resounds far beyond Spain's borders. Trained in Bordeaux at no less a chateau than the legendary Chateau Cos d'Estournel, he initially turned his back on his parents' Remelluri winery in the Rioja region after returning to Spain and founded the "Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez" together with Pablo Eguzkiza. Their declared aim was to develop the certain ageing potential in Spain's rather unknown or undervalued wine-growing regions and to show that excellent, even great wines can be produced here. At the same time, they also wanted to prove that these wines can be produced with respect for nature without excessive cellar technology. One of their first results was a Verdejo called "Baja", which proved that it is possible to produce fresh and very lively white wines from this indigenous grape variety in the Rueda region. In the meantime, this project has grown considerably with its concepts tailored to the terroir of the respective regions. Wines are produced in well-known regions such as Ribera del Duero, while unknown regions such as Valdeorras, Cebreros and Cigales are also being awakened from their slumber. Around 12 top oenologists now work for the company, constantly looking after 355 parcels of land throughout Spain in the individualistic regions and taking care of vinification. Over 40 different grape varieties are constantly making new demands. The wines from Toro, for example, have long been classics of this remarkable and up-and-coming region. There are clear, individual maxims, which include a focus on indigenous grape varieties as well as extremely careful and gentle ageing of the wines in the cellar. At the very top, however, is the terroir, which should be clearly and distinctly reflected in the wines. And wine lovers can be pleased because these wines, which are backed by the concentrated expertise of one of the country's best winemakers together with his expert team, are available on the market at very measured prices. And his parents' Remelluri winery can also rejoice, because since 2010 this exceptional oenologist has also been looking after the wines of this Rioja celebrity.
