Founded in 1874, Montecillo takes its name (meaning a small mountain or hill) from a geographical feature outside Fuenmayor in the Rioja Alta.
Winemaking is under the charge of the charismatic and charming María Martínez. Maria was one of the very first female winemakers in Spain when she was appointed in 1975 and has always followed her instincts and beliefs when it comes to winemaking. Known locally as ‘Mrs Tempranillo’ she works only with indigenous Spanish varietals and paid no attention when neighbours began planting international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon. “It’s not the right grape for this region. It doesn’t ripen or perform properly here,” she explained at the time. To this end, Maria uses only 100% Tempranillo for her red wines, and 100% Viura for the white. She also uses French oak barricas produced at the winery’s in-house cooperage as opposed to the American oak favoured by most wineries.
Quality is paramount at Montecillo. All red wines are of Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva status, and usually exceed the legal minimum ageing requirements. Grapes are sourced from the Rioja Alta, and Montecillo will pay what is necessary to secure the right level of quality. If the vintage is not considered to be up to standard, Montecillo make no wine in that year.
Winemaking is under the charge of the charismatic and charming María Martínez. Maria was one of the very first female winemakers in Spain when she was appointed in 1975 and has always followed her instincts and beliefs when it comes to winemaking. Known locally as ‘Mrs Tempranillo’ she works only with indigenous Spanish varietals and paid no attention when neighbours began planting international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon. “It’s not the right grape for this region. It doesn’t ripen or perform properly here,” she explained at the time. To this end, Maria uses only 100% Tempranillo for her red wines, and 100% Viura for the white. She also uses French oak barricas produced at the winery’s in-house cooperage as opposed to the American oak favoured by most wineries.
Quality is paramount at Montecillo. All red wines are of Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva status, and usually exceed the legal minimum ageing requirements. Grapes are sourced from the Rioja Alta, and Montecillo will pay what is necessary to secure the right level of quality. If the vintage is not considered to be up to standard, Montecillo make no wine in that year.
In 1995, Maria’s colleagues in Rioja nominated her for the Mercury Award for her contribution to the international reputation of fine Rioja wines, which she went on to win.
