Finca Sobreño is one of the original winegrowers in the D.O. Toro. Founded by Roberto San Ildefonso in 1998, it was one of less than 10 registered wineries in the appellation, which today counts more than 50 producers. Roberto was originally from Rioja but left the region when he realized the potential to craft bold, powerful and beautifully structured wines from the Tempranillo clone, Tinta de Toro. This variety produces smaller grapes and with thicker skins than Tempranillo. Among other features, this grape has a higher color concentration, as well as more anthocyanins (which give the wine its aromas) and tannins (which gives structure).
The principal winemaking consultant is Manuel Ruiz Hernández, one of Rioja's most respected enologists.
Finca Sobreño currently owns 80 hectares (197 acres) of vineyard, of which about half are vines over 45 years old and divided in many small parcels. In addition, the winery controls 155 hectares of independently owned old-vines plots. The vineyards are 100% Tinta de Toro, pruned "en vaso" (bush vines), as well as double cordon Royat in the newer plantings. Soil types are alluvial with a thick clay subsoil, and a mix of sand and gravel. Yields are quite low, averaging about 4,000 kg/hectare.
Many of the vines are ungrafted. The winery owns 1,400 barriques (primarily American oak) and boasts a production capacity of 500,000 bottles/year.
