VINAMERICAS | NEWS
The Revolutionary Architect of Modern Spanish Wine, How Carlos Falcó Put Spain back On The World's
Fine Wine Map
April, 10th 2025
As VINAMERICAS is entering its second year as the exclusive national importer of Marqués de Griñón’s Dominio de Valdepusa estate wines and as distribution is now reaching major markets across the country, we wanted to pay a tribute to the man who made it all possible, the late Carlos Falcó, the Marqués de (Marquis of) Griñón.
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Falcó was a visionary figure who profoundly transformed the Spanish wine industry by introducing innovation, international standards, and a global perspective. During the dark times when Spain was still under the yoke of the Franco’s dictatorship and any change was viewed with suspicion, Falcó went abroad to study viticulture, first in Bordeaux and then at the University of Davis in California. Upon his return to Spain, and at a time when Spanish wines were largely traditional and less recognized on the world stage, Falcó brought a pioneering mindset that blended heritage with modernity. His estate, Dominio de Valdepusa, located in the Toledo province, became a center of experimentation and excellence, setting a new benchmark for Spanish viticulture.
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One of Falcó's most influential contributions was the introduction of non-native grape varieties to Spain. In the 1970s and 1980s, he planted international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot—varieties that were rare in Spanish vineyards at the time. This move was revolutionary, as it challenged the entrenched preference for indigenous grapes and opened the door for Spanish wines to compete more directly with the premium wines of France and the New World. His success in adapting these grapes to the Spanish terroir demonstrated both foresight and a deep understanding of viticulture.
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Equally transformative were the winemaking techniques that Falcó embraced and promoted. He introduced cutting-edge vineyard management practices such as drip irrigation and canopy control, which were uncommon in Spain during his early years. In the cellar, he adopted techniques like micro-oxygenation and the use of French oak barrels to enhance the structure and aging potential of his wines. These innovations helped elevate the quality and consistency of Spanish wines, encouraging a broader movement toward modernization across the industry.
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Falcó was also instrumental in promoting Spanish wines internationally. Through tireless advocacy and participation in global wine events, he elevated the reputation of Spanish wines and helped build new markets abroad. His wines, particularly those from Dominio de Valdepusa, gained recognition and respect in markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia. By aligning Spanish wine with global quality standards and taste profiles, Falcó played a key role in expanding exports and raising the international profile of Spain as a wine-producing nation.
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At the heart of Carlos Falcó's legacy is Dominio de Valdepusa, which in 2002 became the first Spanish estate to be awarded the prestigious "Vino de Pago" status—a classification recognizing the unique identity and quality of a single estate's wines. This recognition not only affirmed the excellence of Falcó's work but also served as a model for others seeking to achieve terroir-driven quality. Through Valdepusa, Falcó proved that Spanish wines could be world-class, innovative, and deeply expressive of their origin. His legacy endures in the continuing evolution of Spanish wine, inspired by his blend of tradition, science, and ambition.
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VINAMERICAS is proud to bring these wines to acclaimed wines to the US. Please find our portfolio of Dominio de Valdepusa’s wine HERE.
