Martinsancho (Angel Rodriguez)

Ángel Rodríguez Vidal belonged to a family of winegrowers and winemakers from La Seca with a winemaking tradition that dates back to 1780.

Martínsancho is Angel Rodríguez’ 17th-century vineyard responsible for the preservation of Rueda’s indigenous Verdejo grape. Planted in 1972, cuttings from this special vineyard were used in 1976 to establish a 10.11 ha (25-acre) vineyard planted in the traditional head-pruned fashion and dry-farmed. Low yield “Verdejo” produces wines with a delicate floral nose, viscosity, a long finish.

In recognition of his dedication to the preservation of this variety, he was awarded the Cruz de la Orden Civil del Merito Agrícola by King Juan Carlos in 1982. He was also one of the founders of Denominación de Origen Rueda in 1980.

Today, the winery is run by his daughter, the winemaker Mª Concepcion Rodriguez, who makes wine with the same spirit and love of the vineyard as her father. In 2022 the vineyards were certified organic. Her sons, Arturo and Eduardo spent many long days with their grandfather Ángel in the vineyard learning his passion for viticulture and the basics of goblet pruning. Eduardo is currently studying a master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology at the prestigious University of Montpellier, France.