Vizcarra
Summary
Vizcarra is a family-owned estate in Roa, Ribera del Duero, where Juan Carlos Vizcarra and his daughter Inés cultivate 20-40 hectares of high-altitude Tempranillo vineyards at 800-900 meters, producing a focused range of red wines that express their continental climate terroir. Their artisanal approach combines hand harvesting with measured oak aging in French and American barrels, balancing regional traditions with meticulous standards while maintaining an intimate connection to their agricultural heritage.
Heritage & Leadership
Vizcarra is a family-owned winery located in the village of Roa within Spain's Ribera del Duero Denominación de Origen (DO) in the Burgos province of Castilla y León. The estate represents the vision of Juan Carlos Vizcarra, who serves as both owner and principal winemaker. Juan Carlos transformed what was originally his family's agricultural business into a focused wine producer, building upon agricultural roots that extend back several generations in the region. Today, the winery continues its family tradition with the involvement of the next generation, including Juan Carlos's daughter Inés Vizcarra, who has taken an active role in the family business.
Vineyards & Wines
The Vizcarra estate manages approximately 20-40 hectares of vineyards surrounding the village of Roa in the heart of Ribera del Duero. The vineyards benefit from the region's continental climate, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and significant diurnal temperature variation—conditions that contribute to the development of complex flavors in the grapes while maintaining crucial acidity. The vineyards sit at elevations likely between 800-900 meters, allowing the vines to take advantage of cooler temperatures that help preserve aromatic compounds during the ripening process.
Tempranillo, locally known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del País, dominates the plantings at Vizcarra, reflecting the traditional varietal focus of the Ribera del Duero region. The winery's portfolio centers on red wines produced under the Ribera del Duero DO regulations, with offerings at different quality tiers. Key wines in their lineup include "Vizcarra," "Vizcarra Senda del Oro," and their premium offering "JC Vizcarra," representing a progression from approachable, younger-drinking styles to more structured, age-worthy expressions.
Philosophy & Practice
Vizcarra's winemaking approach balances respect for Ribera del Duero traditions with thoughtful production methods aimed at expressing the character of their vineyards. The winery employs hand harvesting for their grapes, particularly for their premium wines, ensuring that only the highest quality fruit enters the production facility.
In the cellar, Vizcarra utilizes both French and American oak barrels for aging their wines, with different aging protocols applied to each tier in their portfolio. This measured use of oak allows for the development of complexity while respecting the fruit character of the Tempranillo grape. All wines are produced in accordance with the strict regulations of the Ribera del Duero DO, which governs everything from permitted grape varieties to aging requirements for different wine classifications.