Tim Atkin Places Conde de San Cristobal Among the Best Wineries of Ribera Del Duero

Well-known critic and Master of Wine Tim Atkin has published his first annual report on this wine region titled ‘Ribera del Duero 2021’. After analysing 149 wineries and tasting 537 wines, he rated the Bodega Conde de San Cristóbal as one of the finest examples and awarded high points to their wines, which he listed as among the best in the Ribera del Duero D.O. region.

The renowned wine expert classified Conde de San Cristóbal among his ‘Second Growths’, a select group of 15 wineries which Atkin has identified based on their quality, individuality and good practices. In addition, all their wines received scores of at least 91 points. 

Specifically, Atkin recognized Conde de San Cristóbal for its viticulture work and for its high-quality reds and rosé. In particular, he highlighted Oydor as a ‘new iconic wine’. Made from Tinta Fina (Tempranillo) grapes from ungrafted (pie franco) vineyards at Quintana del Pidio (Burgos) planted more than 160 years ago, the writer praised its deep and intense notes.

“The high marks awarded by the renowned critic Tim Atkin recognize the efforts of the Bodega over more than 20 years of crafting high-end wines. Examples that represent the unique and exceptional characteristics of our ‘terroir’, el Pago de Valdestremero, in the heart of the Ribera del Duero. Elegant, expressive and well-balanced wines, the result of the work in both the bodega and the vineyards, to always ensure and reflect the best of our region”, stated Don Pelayo de la Mata, XI Marqués de Vargas and IX Conde de San Cristóbal.

In the most comprehensive report written to date on wines bearing this classified Denomination of Origin (D.O.C), Atkin identifies Ribera Del Duero as a region with great international potential.  In addition, in his general assessment of Conde de San Cristóbal, he highlights the quality of the vineyard, the potential of its wines and praises the contribution of Xavier Ausás, the oenological consultant at both the Conde de San Cristóbal and the Marqués de Vargas group winery in Rioja Alta.

In addition to the recognition for the Bodega Conde de San Cristóbal, one should add the high marks the critic awarded to its reds and rosé, which he describes as well balanced, fresh and elegant. In particular, Conde de San Cristóbal Reserva Especial 2019 received 94 points, one of the winery’s most exclusive examples with a limited production. An elegant, expressive, and delicate red, made with Tinta Fina (Tempranillo) grapes from the best plots, which Atkin describes as full of elegance and finesse.

Atkin describes the Conde de San Cristóbal Crianza 2019 – 91 points –, as a well-balanced, fresh and elegant wine which well represents the vineyards of the winery.

Lastly, the critic scored the Flamingo Rosé – the only rosé from the winery – with 91 points, highlighting its daring presentation and bottle design. A stylish wine, elegant and surprising.  Flamingo Rosé exclusively uses Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grape from the best plots located 900 metres above sea level, at the highest terraces of the river Duero.

Did you know: The Conde de San Cristobal Crianza once graced the palates of Barack and Michelle Obama and had them swooning!

It was 88 years since an incumbent American president had visited Cuba, and to celebrate the landmark the Obama family sat down to dine with the island’s president, Raúl Castro, on 21 March. The restaurant’s name, San Cristobal Parador, struck a chord with the Commander in Chief, who ordered up a bottle of something similarly named: Conde de San Cristóbal from Ribera del Duero.

Check out Conde de San Cristobal’s range of wines below!