Background

The Tinto Pesquera Janus Gran Reserva 2018 takes its name from Janus, the Roman god who sees both past and future. This wine reflects that duality by blending ancient winemaking traditions with modern techniques. The story began in 1982, a year celebrated for its exceptional harvest.

Alejandro Fernández initiated an experiment, crafting two wines from the same grapes. He pressed half the clusters whole using traditional methods and de-stemmed the other half, fermenting them in stainless steel tanks. One wine served the local market, while the other became his first export. Fernández then aged equal portions of both wines for three years in old American oak barrels.

In 1986, Janus was born—a wine defined by its complexity, balance, velvety texture, and nuanced depth. Produced only in vintages with exceptional grapes, it remains a standout expression in the range, embodying both innovation and tradition.

The Wine

This Gran Reserva Ribera del Duero offers a rich, complex tasting experience. Aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, tobacco, and leather emerge first, followed by subtle spices like cinnamon and cloves. Aging in oak barrels introduces layers of vanilla and depth.

On the palate, concentrated dark fruit flavors dominate, harmonized by cedar, tobacco, and a touch of chocolate. Smooth tannins and well-balanced acidity provide structure, leading to a long, elegant finish with earthy and spicy notes. Its velvety texture enhances the wine’s depth, appealing to those who savor robust and nuanced reds.

Vintage Notes

The 2018 growing season featured long, cold winters and short, dry, hot summers. The Ribera del Duero Regulatory Board rated the vintage as “Very Good.”

Vineyard Notes

The grapes for this wine come from one of the wineries most special plots, “La Rendeja”. The wine is vinified in the traditional way with spontaneous but temperature-controlled fermentations. It is then aged for 28 months in American oak barrels, which contributes to its structure, length and richness of aromas.

History

Alejandro Fernández has been a key figure in shaping Ribera del Duero viticulture for nearly four decades, following in his father’s footsteps. In 1975, he fulfilled his ambition with the first release of ‘Tinto,’ marking the beginning of a legacy.

His flagship winery significantly contributed to the region’s recognition as a premium wine-producing DO, showcasing the supremacy of the Tempranillo grape. Recognized by Robert Parker as one of Spain’s top producers, Fernández’s unwavering dedication has garnered international acclaim and numerous awards, solidifying his status as a pioneer in Spanish winemaking.