Gumiel de Izan, Spain, May 2007 - Construction is underway of the Portia winery, a spectacular $25.6-million facility Spain's Ribero del Duero region scheduled to open this fall. Commissioned by the Martinez family, owners of Bodegas Faustino, a leading producer of wines from the Rioja and other regions of Spain, the project represents the first-ever bodega designed by internationally famed architect Norman Foster, head of the London-based design team, Foster + Partners.

Opening of the winery will mark a major milestone in the development of this venture, begun some 15 years ago when the Martinez family purchased almost 400 acres of terrain enjoying an eastern and southern orientation (ideal for growing high-quality fruit) in Ribero del Duero. Vineyards have been planted, chiefly with Tempranillo, with an average density of 1,200 vines per acre. The new wine, appropriately named "Portia Prima," will debut in the U.S. early this summer with the introduction of the 2004 vintage.

Formerly a winemaking backwater, Ribero del Duero has swept into the international spotlight as one of Spain 's premier sources of world-class wines, thanks in large part to attention drawn to the area in the early 1990s by American wine critic Robert Parker.

Once it opens, the new Portia winery will join an exclusive portfolio of landmark architectural designs from Lord Foster. These include Swiss Re's epic "Gherkin Building" rising above the skyline in the city of London, to the ingenious new Hong Kong International Airport and the restored Reichstag Building in Berlin. Ranging from museums, arenas, stadiums, theaters and office buildings to subway stations, bridges and luxury yachts, Foster's sophisticated, machine-influenced, high-tech style of architecture -- with its clean lines and sharp-edged modernity -- has attracted critical praise from leading design pundits around the world.

The name of the new property has a dual origin, both as a reference to the seventh satellite of the planet Uranus (representing the pioneer, inventory, creator and artist according to astrology), and the Latin word for a token offering made in ancient times as a symbol of gratitude toward the elements in return for a healthy and abundant harvest.

Grapes: 100% Tempranillo

Origin: Vineyards located in the districts of Roa, Gumiel del Izan, Gumiel de Marcado and Villanueva de Gumiel in Ribero del Duero

Winemaker: Enologist Raúl Quemada a pioneering member of Spain 's new generation of winemakers. Quemada has accumulated extensive experience in the application of modern vinification techniques.and is fast establishing a reputation in Spain for deftly crafted wines and a bold, enterprising approach to winemaking

Vinification: Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures ranging between 25-28°C, followed by a malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels, where the wine rested for 15 months before bottling. The bottled wine underwent a further eight months aging prior to release

Description: Red cherry color with youthful violet reflections. The bouquet recalls red berry fruit, wed to notes of cocoa, vanilla and mocha. A smooth, silky texture combines with sweet tannins in this eloquent expression of the Tempranillo grape.

Production: 30,000 x 750 ml bottles packed six to a case

Imported: 1,500 six-bottle cases of the 2004 vintage to be imported into U.S.

Approx. retail: $39.99 per 750 ml bottle