Faustino I
The names of Bodegas Faustino wines are simple, just Faustino and something and usually something is number. The smaller the number, the better the wine should be. Winery produces red, white, rose and cava wines.
Tasted wine was Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001, which costs in Alko 24,90€ making it obviously upper shelf wine. Wine is produced from Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. I means that it should be the best of this Faustino red wine series.
THE LOOK
All Faustino bottle lables have same style and all Faustino red wine bottle labels have some traditional figure on them.
Faustino I 2001 was dark red but although it had some age already, no brownish color.
THE NOSE
Pleasant and rich aroma without surprises.
THE TASTE
Medium-bodied, aromatic but somehow lackluster flavor. Expected a little bit more after reading some of the tasting notes from professional wine sites.
Facts:
| Alcohol: | 13,5% by volume |
| Extract: | 26 g/l |
| Acidity: | 6,1 g/l |
| Energy: | 90 kcal/100 ml (380 kJ/100 ml) |
| Closure: | natural cork |
“Gran reserva = matured for a long time, more than 3 years and in addition to a couple of years in the bottle. Reserva = aged 2-3 years and in addition to one year in the bottle“
Tasted Faustino I first as such and that gave an impression of little bit lackluster flavor. To be honest this wine has not enough boost for red meats. But with blue cheese it paired extremely well.
Therefore recommend to enjoy Faustino I, at least 2001, with white meats, game birds and cheeses. Cheers!
REVIEW: OVERALL GRADE 3+/5 – BANG FOR THE BUCK ++ / +++
Reijosfood 
Love this post! I am inspired to return to Spain soon!
Thanks for comment! Spanish red wines are my favourites, especially Aalto, which is Finnish name and winery name is also bodegas Aalto.
BTW, your blog is protected. Is it on purpose or something wrong with settings?
Ohhh no – really?! What do you see? Very very odd …
Just notifications that site is protected and one must ask permission to see it or try to log on again
Is this for iamverybusy.me?
That works fine! Did you have another site address?
Ahhhh I see – I spotted the old one still attached to my profile somehow! Thank you for spotting it 🙂
Very nice review of this Rioja. Thank you for sharing.
I second Anatoli’s comments, but I agree with you that even if Faustino does not shine, it is definitely “drinkable” and enjoyable in the right context.
Thanks for reading the post and comments! With the price level Faustino I is sold, it should have more character.
Never been a big fun of Faustino – find their wines across the whole range a bit lackluster. This is also a pity, because 2001 was one of the very best years ever. Next time, try 2001 La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva Especial – I think you will like it a bit more 🙂
Thanks for hint! I shall try it soon if I find it from our monopoly retailer Alko. Otherwise must bring it home when travelling abroad.
That specific wine might be a tough call, but you can look for the 2004 vintage as well. I recently had a number of posts regarding Spanish wines, where I share some of my favorite Rioja, so you might see what might be available from that list.
Have to keep eye on that one too.