Juan Josep Abo de Juan

Born on April 7, 1947 in Bossost, Juan Josep grew up in a family where everyone spoke perfect French.

At the age of 15, he began his university studies in economics and law, which he completed in 1967. He went on to study international law in Strasbourg and economics in Louvain.

Despite his stays abroad, he joined forces with two companions to open a law firm. In 1974, he took over the management of a large clinic in Barcelona, combining his legal and medical work.

His passion for wine and gastronomy began in 1968, when he met Annie, a great cook and taster. Together, they discovered the great wines of France and Italy. In 1977, Pierre Coste introduced them to the world of wine.

They took courses at the Bordeaux and Dijon oenology institutes, and explored French gastronomy with the likes of Jacques Pie and Gérard Chave. They also discovered the great wines of Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne, thanks to mentors like André Gagey and Jean Meyes.

In 1992, he was awarded the Chevalier du Mérite Agricole by the French government. In 1974, he and his wife set up a company importing fine French wines. In 1990, he helped launch Abadia Retuerta, a winery in the Ribera del Duero region, which became a prestigious wine and hotel estate.

In 2024, Abadia Retuerta wine was classified as "Vino de Pago de l'Abadia Retuerta", the highest ranking in Spain. The restored abbey now hosts religious events and classical music concerts.