About Franco

Bodegas Franco-Españolas is one of the largest wineries in Spain's Rioja wine region. It is known for both red and white wines dominated by Tempranillo and Viura. The winery has hosted several famous figures throughout its history, including the King of Spain Alfonso XIII in 1925 and American writer Ernest Hemingway in 1956.

Oak barrels in the century-old cellar
©Bodegas Franco-Espa￱olas

It was founded in 1890 as a collaboration between French and Spanish merchants, vignerons and winegrowers, led by Bordeaux négociant Frederick Anglade Saurat. At the time, French vineyards were being devastated by the spread of phylloxera and foreign wines were gaining popularity as a result. This led some French producers to migrate to new viticultural areas in Spain, and in particular to Rioja. The region flourished under the influence of Bordeaux winemakers until it too was devasted by phylloxera in the early 20th century. In 1922, the French were bought out by their Spanish partners.

Franco-Españolas offers a range of wines at various levels of quality. It is known for its Bordón line of Rioja DOCa including a gran reserva, inspired in name by the winery's ties to Bordeaux. Bodegas Franco-Españolas also has a reputation for its white reserva Rioja, called Viña Soledad Tete de Cuvée. The wine is made entirely from Viura, fermented with skin contact, and aged for 18 months in American oak and 18 months in bottle.