Christian Rey of Quinta Sardonia

Christian Xose Rei Oubiña was born in the city of Cambados in the Val do Salnés region of Spain – the birthplace of the Albariño grape. Christian was always certain about a career in winemaking, and quickly went to work for numerous wineries in the Val do Salnés region after studying viticulture and winemaking in Ponteareas. Val do Salnés is part of the larger Rías region, where he continued working across various estates in winemaking and production from 1994 to 2002.

In 2002, Christian was hired by Bodegas Garmendia (D.O. Arlanza, in Burgos province) to make wines and oversee the estate vineyards, and he soon became a member of the tasting panel for the D.O. appellation board. In 2010, Christian was attracted by Peter Sisseck’s new project in the Ribera area – a new vineyard in the town of Sardón de Duero, located next to notable estates Vega Sicilia and Pingus.

Christian took the helm of Quinta Sardonia in 2013 and became responsible for 22 hectares of biodynamic vineyards growing: Tito Fino–the most important in the region–plus Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Syrah, Carbernet Franc and Merlot, iin addition to hand-selected old vines of Tempranillo, Albillo and Garnacha.

A fierce advocate of biodynamic principles, Christian only uses natural products in the vineyard and winery. He considers the soil to be the core of his winemaking, and treats the terroir as an authentic individual, influenced by rain, heat, cold, the sun and the moon.

Christian resides in Sardón de Duero with Mercedes – his wife and right-hand at the Quinta Sardonia winery – and two beautiful dogs.