Viña Mayor sits on Ribera del Duero's famous 'Golden Mile', just a stone's throw from Vega Sicilia. Founded in 1986, this estate was the first winery in the region to achieve 'Wineries for Climate Protection' certification. What sets them apart now is a genuine commitment to regenerative viticulture—they've restored native biodiversity, certified 22 hectares as organic, and run the entire winery on renewable energy, cutting CO2 emissions by 450 tonnes. He uses a blend of French and American oak across all wines to frame the intense Ribiera fruit.

About Bodegas y Vinedos Vina Mayor

Viña Mayor's approach to winemaking is rooted in the terroir of Ribiera del Duero and underpinned by environmental responsibility. The estate works with multiple vineyard blocks of different ages—from younger vines planted recently to gnarled Tempranillo stocks that are approaching 60 years old. Each parcel is treated with care, and the winery's move toward organic certification reflects a long-term commitment to soil health and biodiversity restoration. By reintroducing native flora and fauna into their vineyards, they've created a more resilient growing environment. The renewable energy infrastructure means every bottle is produced with minimal environmental footprint—a rarity in fine wine production.

Álvaro Izquierdo's winemaking philosophy centres on oak balance. He uses both French and American oak to achieve what he describes as the best of both worlds, allowing the intense, concentrated fruit of Ribiera del Duero to remain the focal point rather than being overwhelmed by wood character. This philosophy extends across the range, from the lightest expression to the most aged. The Tempranillo grape is the backbone of their wines, sometimes joined by small percentages of Garnacha or Cabernet Sauvignon depending on the tier. This consistency means you're buying into a clear vision of how Ribiera del Duero should taste—bright, structured, and true to vintage.

Bodegas y Vinedos Vina Mayor Wines in Our Collection

The entry point is the 2024 Ribiera del Duero Roble, a blend of Tempranillo with Garnacha, aged just four months in barrel. It scored 90 points from Tim Atkin and 91 from Guia Penín—bright, juicy blackberry fruit dominates, making it approachable young but still serious. Step up to the 2022 Ribiera del Duero Crianza, 100% Tempranillo from vines aged 20 to 60 years. Fourteen months in barrel have built intensity and a subtle spiciness that lifts the brooding black fruit. Guia Penín gave it 90 points. At the top sits the 2019 Ribiera del Duero Reserva, a blend of 90% Tempranillo from the oldest vines with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from gravelly soils. After 18 months in barrel and 36 months in bottle, this wine displays rich depth and structure, revealing layered flavours of tobacco, leather, and dark cassis fruit with considerable refinement. It has amassed scores across the board: James Suckling 90, Tim Atkin 91, Guia Penín 91, Jancis Robinson 89, Decanter World Wine Awards 89. The Reserva is built for cellaring but also drinks beautifully now.

Food Pairing

The Roble works well with roasted poultry and lighter game dishes—think grilled quail or roasted partridge. The Crianza pairs naturally with lamb, beef stews, and aged cheeses. For the Reserva, aim higher: grilled ribeye, slow-cooked beef shin, venison, or mushroom-rich risotto. The wine's leather and tobacco notes also complement cured charcuterie and hard Spanish cheeses like Manchego. The structure and age of the Reserva means it will stand up to dishes with depth and richness.

What makes Viña Mayor's approach to sustainability different?

They were the first winery in Ribera del Duero to achieve 'Wineries for Climate Protection' certification. They've certified 22 hectares organic, run the entire winery on renewable energy, and restored native biodiversity by reintroducing rare flora and fauna into their vineyards.

Who is the new winemaker and what is his style?

Álvaro Izquierdo joined in 2025 as winemaker. Named Young Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin in 2024, he uses both French and American oak to frame Ribera del Duero's intense fruit without overpowering it.

Which Viña Mayor wine should I choose for drinking now?

The 2024 Roble is bright and juicy, ready to drink immediately. The 2022 Crianza offers more intensity and structure. The 2019 Reserva is drinking beautifully now after bottle age but will continue developing for years.

Who makes Viña Mayor wines?

Winemaker Álvaro Izquierdo leads Bodegas y Vinedos Viña Mayor, founded in 1986 on Ribera del Duero's Golden Mile in Spain. The estate is known for regenerative viticulture and renewable energy production.

What style of wine does Viña Mayor make?

Viña Mayor makes Ribera del Duero reds from Tempranillo, aged in French and American oak to balance intense fruit with structure. Their 2022 Crianza scored 90 points, showing bright blackberry and subtle spice.