For once again we proudly celebrate this year’s recognition of excellence. Fernando Costa has once again been included in the prestigious Top 100 Master Winemakers list, which highlights the best winemakers in the world.
This recognition is a reflection of the commitment, passion and dedication that Fernando puts into every wine we make. His career, marked by innovation and respect for tradition, inspires us to continue striving for excellence in every vintage.
This year, The Drinks Business wanted to delve deeper into the history and vision of those selected. In his case, Fernando shares his beginnings, his work philosophy and his passion for the iconic wines of our winery.
What job did you imagine yourself doing when you were seven years old?
I didn’t think beyond my games and my day-to-day life in Galicia where I grew up, near the sea. I only knew that I wanted to enjoy life and be happy when I grew up.
Who first led you down the winemaking career path, and how?
As a teenager, living in the Rías Baixas, I learnt first-hand the great boom of this wine-growing area. At home we were immersed in the world of wine and vineyards, we loved to participate in all its tasks. We never thought they were hard, but rather enjoyed achieving the best results. That’s when my curiosity for great wines and my vocation as an oenologist was triggered.
What’s the most recent lesson this job has taught you?
Never take anything for granted and never be complacent. Always be one step ahead, humble and always question how to improve, investigate, and innovate. It is a fascinating experience that I share with my team. And a challenge we set ourselves every harvest.
If you were a wine, what would your back label say?
SIf I were a wine, I would refuse to wear a back label. I would defend my identity, my character with the hope that my feelings would reach the consumer. The wine has to speak, I find it magical trying to interpret its best expression from the vineyard. I am also happy to work on our iconic wines in an exclusive area, Atelier Gaudium, where we use craftsmanship. It is fascinating to have such means at my disposal. I enjoy it like a young child.
What’s the last book you read?
La Guerra Civil Española, by Anthony Beevor.
What’s the last live music performance you saw?
Tanxugueiras in Cambados.
What frustrates you most about the world of wine?
The fact that a wine is not always valued for what it really represents. We have to further transmit the efforts, illusions, sacrifices, attachment to the land, commitment that are blended in a bottle of wine. It is a source of pride for me imagining that customers enjoy moments of happiness around the wine I try to create. It gives me a real buzz and that’s when I think that all my hard work has paid off.
Which sustainability initiative are you most proud of, and why?
We are very focused on reducing our energy consumption and our carbon footprint, these are very encouraging and positive proposals. Also the care we take of our vineyards to preserve the environment. Or our social commitment by giving an incentive to those harvesters with whom we have long-term contracts to maintain the old vines, the essence of our most iconic wines. Caring for the environment, for the vineyard, for all our winemaking and ageing processes has earned us the ‘Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection’ seal. There are around 100 wineries in Spain that hold this commitment.
If you could change one thing about your wine region, what would it be?
I would involve all the operators and organisations in defending wine culture. Educate young people and all consumers so that there is a responsible consumption. It is a way of valuing not only wine but also our roots, our people, the rural areas that live for wine. Without vineyards and wine culture, millions of villages would disappear. We deserve to keep those local values that enrichen us as persons, and are our history and experiences. Spain is, I believe, the country with the second longest life expectancy. So let us not lose the hope of maintaining what is healthy and what makes us happy.
Which winemaker do you most admire, and why?
Fernando Gómez. I was with him for 17 years at Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres before he passed the baton to me, everything I know I have learned from him, from his curiosity, from his attachment to the vineyard, to the people of the village. He taught me the humility and honesty to bring the best to our work. I am very grateful to him.
Which missing skill do you most wish you possessed?
If I’m honest, learning to pretend when I don’t like something… sometimes there are trends that seem like they have to be adopted. And if I don’t find them convincing, I don’t know how to get enthusiastic about them. I need to fully embrace what I do. Also acknowledge the results of my work, which is what motivates me. Nevertheless I am lucky that in the winery, we are all rowing in the same direction: excellence as a goal.
What’s your idea of a perfect holiday?
Somewhere to disconnect from everyday life, with the family in a place where you can enjoy a beautiful landscape, good weather, excellent gastronomy and enjoyable wines. The perfect holiday is to enjoy everyday living with the people that make life fun and that you love.
What is the most pressing personal or professional ambition you’d like to fulfil?
To improve my knowledge of different languages, and be able to communicate better in more places and with more people.
What would your final meal be? And what would you drink with it?
I hope it is still a long way off, but of course it would be a good seafood platter, with oysters and scallops accompanied by a good, fresh white wine such as our Antea or our Deusa Nai. But the icing on the cake would be with a good, juicy suckling pig, accompanied by a glass of Gaudium, another glass of La Halconera (our red Maturana), and another of Finca la Capilla from our estate in Ribera del Duero… I’m sure that this way, with a few small sips, I’ll be safe and won’t have to put an end to this beautiful experience.