Wines of Today, With a Taste of History
In the storied landscape of Rioja Alta, where centuries of winemaking tradition intersect with modern craftsmanship, Carlos Serres stands as one of the region’s most enduring and influential producers. Founded in 1896 by French négociant Charles “Carlos” Serres, the winery helped shape Rioja’s global identity long before the region earned its reputation as a fine‑wine powerhouse.
A Pioneer Who Saw Rioja’s Future Before the World Did
When phylloxera devastated Bordeaux in the late 1800s, Serres sought new terroir capable of producing wines with the elegance, structure, and longevity of France’s finest. He found it in Haro, a city whose limestone‑clay soils, Atlantic‑influenced climate, and railway access made it ideal for both quality winemaking and international export.
Serres became not only an early champion of Rioja wines abroad, but a founding force behind the Rioja Wine Exporters Syndicate in 1907, the precursor to today’s DOCa Rioja Control Board. His winery became the first in Haro registered specifically as an export merchant, signaling a global vision decades ahead of its time.
A Legacy Carried Forward by the Vivanco Family
Today, the historic legacy of Carlos Serres continues under the stewardship of the Vivanco family, multigenerational winegrowers with over 40 years of influence in Rioja. Their dedication preserves the founder’s guiding principles: authenticity, terroir expression, and a commitment to making Rioja wines that resonate with the modern palate while honoring their roots.
Central to this philosophy is the estate vineyard, Finca El Estanque—a 60‑hectare site in southeastern Haro and one of the region’s earliest adopters of espalier training in the 1980s. Its chalky‑clay soils and gravelly subsoils yield grapes of intensity, balance, and freshness, forming the backbone of the winery’s Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva, and limited Onomástica wines.
Crafting Wines of Today With the Soul of Rioja
While the winemaking facilities have evolved—with concrete fermentation tanks, micro‑oxygenation advantages, and carefully selected French and American oak—the stylistic identity remains rooted in tradition.
Under the guidance of long‑time winemaker Roberto de Carlos, who has overseen more than 35 vintages, the wines consistently showcase:
- Purity of fruit
- Structured but refined tannins
- Balanced acidity
- Classic Rioja aromatics such as red fruit, balsamic herbs, vanilla, and subtle spice
The spirit of Rioja—its history, resilience, and expressive terroir—lives in every bottle.
Inside the Portfolio: A Wine for Every Palate
From youthful, fruit‑driven expressions to age‑worthy, oak‑matured classics, the Carlos Serres range offers breadth and remarkable quality‑to‑price value.
Young & Fresh Wines
Vibrant expressions of Tempranillo, Viura, Garnacha, and blends that highlight fruit purity and approachability.
Crianza, Reserva & Gran Reserva
Elegant, traditional Rioja wines built on estate fruit from Finca El Estanque.
Recent critic assessments reflect their rising quality trajectory—Vinous, for example, recently praised the 2019 Reserva for its balance of ripe cherry, mocha, balsamic nuances, and well‑integrated oak.
Onomástica
Limited‑production, vineyard‑driven wines showcasing Rioja Alta’s complexity.
Sparkling Wines
A newer but exciting addition, including the Carlos Serres Sparkling Brut, noted for its fine mousse and flavors of apple, pear, and delicate pastry—a refreshing interpretation of Rioja tradition through the lens of méthode traditionnelle.
A Global Standard in Rioja Tradition
With more than 125 years of continuous winemaking, Carlos Serres remains one of only a handful of true centenary wineries in Rioja. Its unwavering commitment to terroir, heritage, and international vision has positioned it not only as a historic cornerstone, but as a brand shaping the modern identity of Rioja today.
From the vineyards of Haro to glasses around the world, Carlos Serres continues to deliver “wines of today… with history.”
