Protos Selección Finca El Grajo Viejo - An Exquisite Spanish Wine Experience

Bodegas Protos: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1927, Bodegas Protos stands as a pillar of Spanish winemaking heritage, heralding the esteemed Ribera del Duero region. With a name that embodies their pioneering spirit—‘Protos’ means ‘first’ in Greek—this winery has played a crucial role in the establishment and global acclaim of Ribera del Duero wines. Nestled under the watchful eye of the historic Peñafiel Castle, Protos melds tradition with modernity, ensuring each bottle reflects their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.

The Vineyard: Finca El Grajo Viejo

At the heart of Protos’ elite winemaking lies Finca El Grajo Viejo, a testament to the enduring beauty of age-old vines and the exquisite terroir of Ribera del Duero. Planted over 70 years ago, these vines represent a cornerstone of winemaking excellence, producing grapes enriched with concentrated flavors and complex profiles owing to their maturity and environmentally conscious cultivation.

Terroir and Viticulture

• Location: Nestled in Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León
• Soil: Characterized by nutrient-poor, clay-loamy terrain with ideal drainage, which limits vine vigor and enhances the fruit’s intensity.
• Climate: The extreme continental climate—marked by hot summers, cold winters, and stark diurnal temperature variations—accentuates the vineyard’s stress on the vines, yielding small but intensely flavorful grape clusters.
• Vine Age: Over 70 years old, contributing to low yields and intense fruit concentration.

Crafting the Masterpiece: Winemaking Process

Protos Selección Finca El Grajo Viejo is meticulously crafted using a harmonious blend of traditional methods and modern advancements. The winemaking journey, from hand-harvested grapes to the final product, reflects an unwavering standard of excellence.

Fermentation and Maceration

• Fermentation occurs in 500-liter French oak fûts, controlled meticulously to maintain quality.
• Maceration: Lasting 3-4 weeks, this crucial period maximizes the extraction of the old vines’ concentrated flavors and robust tannins.
• Malolactic Fermentation follows in new French oak barrels, imbuing the wine with additional depth and structure.

Aging

• The wine reclines for 18 months in new French oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and finesse, followed by another 12 months in bottle, ensuring its elegance and readiness upon release.

Tasting Experience

• Color: Deep cherry with purple nuances.
• Aroma: A symphony of matured black fruits like blackberry and plum intertwines with spicy layers, balsamic accents, and subtle oak undertones.
• Palate: Powerful yet elegant, characterized by refined tannins and vibrant acidity that extend its cellar potential.
• Finish: A mesmerizing, long-lasting finale that promises to evolve beautifully over the years.

Culinary Pairings

Perfectly suited to complement dishes like roasted pork, red meats, and aged cheeses, its robust structure also elevates the delights of well-spiced, hearty meals.

Critical Acclaim

The wine consistently garners acclaim, earning accolades from notable critics such as James Suckling and Decanter, who praise its nuanced expression and aging potential.

Collector’s Delight

As Protos’ most limited wine, each vintage is a coveted jewel for collectors, promising graceful aging and heightened value over time.