Pope Leo XIV maintains a tradition that crosses several pontificates: the consumption of an exclusive drink, reserved for Vatican celebrations and formal meetings. This tradition goes back to the days of John Paul II, when the Holy See began to receive this special product directly from La Rioja, in Spain.
A papal tradition
The collaboration between the Heras Cordón and the Vatican winery, according to, dates back to the times of John Paul II, according to the same source. The red wine produced in La Rioja is sent to the Holy See, where it is used on several formal occasions, including dinners with ambassadors and presidents.
Pope Leo XIV, who recently assumed the pontificate, continues the tradition of his predecessors, proving this exclusive wine that is not available for sale to the public.
José Luis Heras Cordón, responsible for the winery, told the same source that “it is a wine for events” and that the Vatican uses the bottles “as he understands”, reinforcing the versatility of the product on the most varied occasions. This consolidated tradition makes the Wine of Heras Cordón a constant presence in the Vatican celebrations.
Production process
The wine supplied by the Vatican Heras Cordón is elaborated with 98% of Tempranillo grapes, one of Spain’s most emblematic castes.
According to El Español, the aging process is rigorous, with a time in barrel ranging from 12 to 18 months, depending on the tests performed every six months. This careful selection ensures the quality of each bottle sent to the Vatican.
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Limited and exclusive
The production of this wine is limited to about 5,000 annual bottles, of which approximately 2,000 are destined to the Holy See. The remaining bottles are not marketed, being reserved for special offers.
This exclusivity makes wine virtually inaccessible to the common public, maintaining its character reserved for papal celebrations.
Papal
One of the particularities of this exclusive wine is its identification: the bottles are labeled with the papal coat and the name of the acting pontiff. As mentioned above, this distinctive brand reinforces the connection between the heras cordón winery and the Vatican, perpetuating a tradition that remains firm in the pontificate of Leo XIV.
Although it is not available for purchase, Heras Cordón produces wines similar to what is sent to the Holy See. However, the papal seal is exclusive and reserved for Vatican events, reinforcing its uniqueness in the wine landscape.
With a history that crosses pontificates and a cautious production process, the Wine of Heras Cordón will continue to be present in the Holy See celebrations, keeping a tradition that unites the Vatican a La Rioja.
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