DECANTER PRESENTS... Bodegas Faustino

Beyond trends and time:
The evolution of Rioja's most recognisable face, from 1964 to now

As one of the most recognisable and longstanding Spanish wine brands, Bodegas Faustino has set a benchmark for ageability and approachable complexity.
 
Its wines offer a recognisable expression of Rioja both upon release and after years in the cellar, preserving character while developing nuance and depth. In this singular tasting, Faustino has opened its library to build a stellar line up going all the way back to 1964. A  unique opportunity to discover Faustino's style and discover the evolution of the winery and of Rioja over the last century. 
 
The masterclass focuses on Rioja’s exceptional ageing potential, driven by its remarkable acidity and balance, which give its wines the ability to evolve beautifully over time while preserving their character and quality. Through a vertical tasting, we will also explore how winemaking techniques and the use of different grape varieties have evolved in Rioja’s long-ageing wines.

 


Date:
Thursday 11 December 2025

Location:
Decanter Tasting Suite, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, W2 6JR 

Timings:
18:30 - welcome drinks and tapas  
19:00 - guided tasting begins
20:30 - tasting ends

Price:
£49 per person
 

 

THE WINES

Welcome drink: Cava Brut

 

Faustino I Gran Reserva 1964

Faustino I Gran Reserva 1995

Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001

Gran Faustino I Gran Reserva 2004

Magnum Faustino I Gran Reserva 2011

Faustino I Gran Reserva 2016

Faustino Icon Gran Reserva 2017

Faustino I Blanco Gran Reserva 2020

THE HOSTS

Carlos Moreno

Export Manager, Bodegas Faustino

Carlos Moreno serves as the Export Manager at Bodegas Faustino, where he has worked for 5 years. Despite studying business administration, he quickly found his passion in the world of wine, accumulating over 12 years of experience in the export sector for Rioja wineries worldwide. He is a devoted enthusiast of wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Outside of wine, he is a keen golfer, but admits his clubs have been gathering dust lately.

With two little girls keeping him busy, his free time has become a rare vintage!
 

 Ines Salpico 

 Regional Editor Spain, Portugal and South America
Decanter 

Ines is Decanter’s regional editor for Spain, Portugal and South America. Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, she grew up chasing her grandfather among his vines in Ribatejo and thus her love for all things wine began. After completing her Masters Degree in Architecture, Ines worked as a project manager while writing about wine and doing cellar consulting on the side. After moving to London nine years ago, she decided to dedicate herself fully to the wine industry and joined the sommelier team at Michelin-starred Spring, Somerset House. Stints at Noble Rot and The Laughing Heart followed, while completing her WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits.

Her work as a judge and writer eventually became her full time commitment and she joined Decanter in 2019 as wine database editor.