CÉSAR PRÍNCIPE

Juan Príncipe

Picasso had his brush. Heifetz had his bow. Ignacio Príncipe had his pruning shears. A virtuoso in the vineyard, he wielded his sharpened blades like a sculptor. Blink and you would've missed it. Snap. Crackle. The hands would blur. In less than 45 seconds, a voluptuous vine was pruned to its concentrated essence, three fundamental branches remaining that formed a “seat” with enough strength and structure to hold the weight of a man should he need a place to rest. Then it was nature’s turn. The less promising buds had been sacrificed for those more likely to produce glory in the glass. How does the winemaker know which is which? That’s why it’s called the art of winemaking. “I strive to unlock the magic of the vine,” said Ignacio.

It's now his son Juan's turn. The fourth generation of Príncipe, Juan has assumed the responsibility of running the entire winery. In his time at the helm, he's become a major player in the revitalization of the Cigales wine region, a small, fast-rising region just north of the well known Ribera del Duero.  Made from 60- to 70-year-old vines, his wines have true density, and they are certainly fit for the cellar. Yet they also offer harmony when young and immediate gratification. Intense fruit, lively acidity and pleasing tannin all come together to deliver maturity. Yes, this is wine making as it should be. Ignacio is a hands-on producer. Not every winemaker is as comfortable with his hands in the soil. But then, not every winemaker is an artist.

Learn more about César Príncipe here.