Benjamin Romeo
Summary
Former Artadi winemaker Benjamin Romeo founded Bodega Contador in Rioja's San Vicente de la Sonsierra in 1999, where he manages 42 hectares across 62 high-altitude parcels focused on Tempranillo-based wines from calcareous clay soils. The estate combines traditional methods with modern precision through its gravity-flow winery and parcel-specific vinification, aging wines exclusively in French oak for 14-20 months.
Heritage & Leadership
Benjamin Romeo established Bodega Contador in 1999, initially making wines in a converted 16th-century cave beneath the San Vicente de la Sonsierra castle in Rioja Alta. Before launching his own project, Romeo served as winemaker at Artadi from 1985 to 2000, where he helped establish that bodega's reputation. In 2008, Romeo completed construction of a modern winery facility designed by Héctor Herrera, built into the hillside of San Vicente de la Sonsierra.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate manages 62 separate vineyard parcels totaling 42 hectares, all located within San Vicente de la Sonsierra. The vineyards sit at elevations between 400-800 meters above sea level, primarily on calcareous clay soils. Tempranillo comprises 90% of plantings, with additional parcels of Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. The flagship vineyard La Cueva del Contador includes pre-phylloxera vines dating to 1890. Vine density averages 3,500 plants per hectare across the estate.
Philosophy & Practice
Romeo employs strict harvesting protocols, with all grapes hand-picked into 12kg boxes and sorted twice before processing. Fermentation occurs in oak vats and stainless steel tanks, varying by parcel and vintage requirements. The winery utilizes gravity flow throughout the production process, eliminating pumping. Red wines age in 100% French oak barrels, with new oak percentages and aging time tailored to each wine: 18-20 months for Contador and 14-16 months for La Cueva del Contador.