Viñedos El Pacto
Viñedos El Pacto represents a return to the soul of traditional village wines. In an era defined by the maelstrom of industrialization, these select old vines remain unscathed, preserved by the value of small-scale manual labor and a profound respect for natural viticultural cycles.
This project is a bridge between generations, uniting the past and present of Rioja, specifically within the Sonsierra and the Alto Najerilla, to ensure the future of the region's heritage.
The Sonsierra has long been a sanctuary for vines. Protected by the Sierra del Toloño range from harsh Cantabrian rains, the vineyards benefit from a constant, ventilating airflow that imparts a distinct Atlantic freshness to the grapes. Its southern orientation ensures mild year-round temperatures and significant diurnal shifts, creating the perfect conditions for optimal ripening.
Further south, the Alto Najerilla serves as a hidden treasure trove of century-old vineyards where a single star takes center stage: Garnacha. Here, in the villages of Cárdenas, Badarán, and Nájera, generations of growers have tended the land, producing honest wines that serve as a direct mirror to the rugged landscape.
The El Pacto portfolio is divided into two expressions of the land: Village Wines and Singular Vineyards. El Pacto del Alto Najerilla and El Pacto de la Sonsierra rediscover the authentic essence of these historic viticultural hubs. Riojanda and Valdechuecas are designated as “Viñedos Singulares” by the Ministry of Agriculture. These are extraordinary, unique sites where the terroir is the undisputed protagonist.
In Valdechuecas, we travel back in time to trace the family roots of Rioja’s freshest Garnacha. This wine is the liquid testimony of the Acha family’s enduring love for their land. Located in Cárdenas, these plots have been meticulously maintained since they were planted between 1912 and 1918. In this small, hectare-sized haven, Garnacha, Tempranillo, and rare white varieties coexist with ancient olive, fig, and quince trees, a biodiverse ecosystem that yields less than one kilogram of fruit per vine.
