Familia Martínez Zabala

Bodegas Faustino celebrates its 50 years of history in China

CofCo and Faustino directives

Oyón – Shenzhen (China), 17th December 2018.- Bodegas Faustino took part in a very important event hosted at the Hilton Hotel in Shenzhen (China), commemorating 50 years of the magnificent vintages of Faustino I Gran Reserva (1955-2005) in the Chinese wine sector, and the importance of the group’s brands, positioning it as one of the most influential winemaking groups in the world. 

Since China is the Group’s second most important export market, the event was attended by the highest-ranking executives of Grupo Faustino, led by Lourdes Martínez Zabala (owner and board member) and Francisco Honrubia (CEO) and accompanied by the Chinese distribution company COFCO Wine & Wine. In fact, China accounts for 8 percent of the turnover of Bodegas Faustino.

The Group’s exports are vital to ensure the company´s continued growth; internationally it sells one billion bottles of wine, which is more than seven times the distance around the world. With Faustino I Gran Reserva alone, more than 76 million bottles have been sold and the group’s different brands have a presence in more than 106 countries worldwide. 

Martínez Zabala was in charge of running a Masterclass in addition to a gala dinner in which diners could sample vintages of Faustino I Gran Reserva from 1955 to 2005, entitled Splendid 50 Years from 1955 to 2005, journeying back in time to explore the winemaking group’s history, which was later summarised in four key concepts for success: “The importance of caring for vineyards; four generations devoted to the world of wine; constant innovation, and an emphasis on exportation.” 

The Group was also guest of honour in the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the wine division of COFCO Wine & Wine and received the award for being the Chinese company’s best client. In this gala, Lourdes Martínez shared the limelight with the prestigious oenologist Michel Rolland and the famous wine critic James Suckling, who recently scored more than 18 wines from Grupo Faustino above 90 points.

This event celebrated the 40th anniversary of the opening of China to the rest of the world and Faustino was the only foreign wine company represented there.

Faustino I Gran Reserva

Faustino I Gran Reserva and its magnificent vintages from 1955, 1964, 1970, 1994, 2001 and 2005 were chosen to be tasted in this event at the Hilton Hotel. 

This red is made with the Tempranillo Graciano and Mazuelo grape varieties, with 26 months in American and French oak barrels. It is a clean, bright wine, with a ruby colour developing to maroon. On the nose it is complex and elegant, with wide fruity and spicy notes. On the mouth, it is elegant, with pleasant hints due to the barrel ageing, and it has a long and silky finish.