Bodegas Faustino has long been one of Rioja’s quiet masters of time. Founded in 1861 in Oyón, in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa, the estate built its reputation not on flash but on patience—long cask aging, extended bottle rest, and a steadfast belief that great Rioja should be released only when ready. While many historic houses modernized or chased power in the late 20th century, Faustino remained deeply committed to the traditional Gran Reserva model that made the region famous.

That philosophy makes mature bottles like the 1985 especially compelling today. These are not wines engineered for early appeal, they were built to age. In an era when true, properly cellared old Rioja is becoming increasingly scarce, vintages like 1985 offer a rare window into the classical style: American oak integration, savory evolution, and the kind of tertiary complexity that only decades in bottle can deliver.

The 1985 vintage itself marked a return to form for Rioja after several uneven years. A balanced growing season produced fruit with the structure and acidity necessary for long aging—ideal raw material for Faustino’s extended élevage. Sourced primarily from estate Tempranillo grown on calcareous clay soils (with small portions of Graciano and Mazuelo typical of the period), the wine was fermented in stainless steel before undergoing the house signature: years in predominantly American oak, followed by extended bottle aging in the estate’s deep underground cellars prior to release.

Now, four decades on, the 1985 Bodegas Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva stands as a testament to traditional Rioja longevity. Fully resolved yet hauntingly alive, it offers an aromatic tapestry of dried cherry, fig, leather-bound books, cedar chest, tobacco leaf, and balsamic lift. The once-vivid red fruit has evolved into savory tones including forest floor, antique spice box, and a whisper of dill from seasoned American oak. 

Why You’ll Love It

• A living relic of traditional Rioja: Four decades of graceful evolution reveal leather, dried cherry, cedar, and balsamic nuance—aromas only time can create.

• Gran Reserva in its purest form: Extended American oak aging and long bottle rest showcase the classic Faustino house style that defined Rioja for generations.

• Mature magic without fragility: Fully resolved tannins, lifted acidity, and savory depth make this a rare old-world treasure still very much alive in the glass.

How To Serve It

• Stand upright 24–48 hours prior to serving to allow sediment to settle. Decant gently just before pouring.

• Serve at 60–63°F in large Bordeaux stems.

• Pair with roast lamb, game birds, jamón ibérico, aged Manchego, or simply contemplative conversation.