In episode 163 of The Drinking Hour podcast, David Kermode is joined by Rodolfo Bastida, chief winemaker at Ramón Bilbao. Their conversation includes a discussion of Bastida’s 25-year stint at the winery, which celebrates its centenary in 2024. They cover everything from how Phylloxera in France led to a revival of the wines of Rioja, to the adoption of Hungarian oak barrels in the Ramón Bilbao winery.
The pair review Bastida’s illustrious career, which has led many to consider him ‘Rioja royalty’, remembering his first vintage in 1999 and examining why he has ventured into the mountains to pursue freshness through high altitude. Kermode also investigates Bastida’s love of Graciano and Tempranillo.
Finally, they turn towards the future, examining how Ramón Bilbao are combating the impact of climate change and Bastida’s hope that his winemaking philosophy will be embraced throughout the region.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here
