Sinodo Vitivinicola is a project started by three friends; Roberto Monforte, Gorka Etxebarria, and Juan Antonio Blanco. The three met during their Oenology studies at the University of La Rioja, and immediately hit it off; dreaming of creating wines together one day.
In 2014 that dream came true, beginning as a fledgling side project while the three worked at separate wineries. Sinodo has since flourished into an internationally well-respected bodega of La Rioja, with three of their vineyards achieving the venerated official title of Viñedo Singular (only 84 vineyards in La Rioja hold this title).
Their objective is to create honest wines, born of their ancestral family vineyards, with the utmost respect towards the terroir and the traditional framework of cosecheros (viticulturists) working with winemakers. This is why they believe in spoiling their vines with attention; being part of the whole process from la vendimia (grape harvest) to the point of bottling, something that isn’t possible in large-scale operations.
They firmly believe that the meticulous hands-on approach is the best way to create top-quality wine while also preserving ancestral vines and the traditions of La Rioja; a unique heritage that they strive to protect for future generations.
Ratings
94 Points - Tim Atkin (Master of Wine)
Destined to be a future Viñedo Singular, this cuvée of Tempranillo and 1% Garnacha comes from a tiny vineyard owned by partner Juan Antonio Blanco that was planted in Uruñuela in 1916. Sappy, intense and aromatic, it has bramble and blueberry fruit and the effortless balance and concentration of a great old-vine site framed by stylish French oak. 2024-33.
92 Points - Luis Gutiérrez Santo Domingo (Wine Advocate, Robert Parker)
The 2017 Sínodo Raposeras is quite impressive for the vintage and doesn't show as high ripeness as the Los Tollos from this same vintage. Yes, it's riper and a little darker than the 2018, but it still keeps its poise, aromas of black fruit and sweet spices, nicely integrated and very clean. The oak in neatly integrated with the wine too. The palate is medium to full-bodied, juicy and round, with glossy tannins and some chalky minerality in the finish. 763 bottles were filled in September 2018.