World Monitor Magazine WM_KIOGE 2018_Web | Page 42

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With all its color and passion, Spain today is in the vanguard of gastronomy. The homeland
of corrida and flamenco is famous not only for the jamón and paella, but also for wine, which
reflects the bright character of people and nature, giving birth to unique combinations.
The winemaking culture of Spain is more than three thousand
years old: in the distant past, the Phoenicians, who arrived on
fertile lands and quickly recognized the high potential for the
wine making.
Rioja is the main wine region in Spain – the birthplace of the
famous grape variety – Tempranillo, and a long-standing
winemaking tradition.
Particularly noteworthy is the village of Villard de Anerdo,
where during the Roman Empire, the soldiers of the IV Legion
received a piece of land after the end of their ser vice. Later
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this place received the name of Campus Veteranus (Camp of
Veterans), and then – Campo Viejo or the Old Camp.
In 1959, two winemakers – Beristain and Ortigüela, young and
inspired, decided to combine their efforts in favor of one idea - to
give people 'real Spanish character' embodied in a magnificent
wine. They named their winery Campo Viejo, in memory of a
childhood spent in the village of Villard de Anerdo, which was
located next to the vineyards of the Old Camp.
The history of the most famous Rioja wine began in a small
winery, but gradually, the scale of production grew. To meet the