Bodega Protos is a historic winery located in Peñafiel, in Ribera del Duero region. It was founded in 1927 by a group of eleven childhood friends who shared a passion for winemaking. The name "Protos" comes from the Greek word for "first," which is fitting because it was the first winery established in the Ribera del Duero area. Over the years, the winery has grown significantly and is still partly managed by descendants of the original founders.
The winery owns about 800 hectares of vineyards and works closely with over 250 local grape growers, bringing the total vineyard area to around 1,600 hectares. These vineyards are spread across some of the best areas in Ribera del Duero, allowing Protos to produce high-quality wines with a strong sense of place.
Bodega Protos operates three main wineries. The original and most iconic one is located beneath the medieval Peñafiel Castle, where the wines are aged in underground cellars that stretch for more than two kilometers. A modern winery building, designed by the renowned architect Sir Richard Rogers, was added in 2008 and has become a popular destination for wine tourism. The other two wineries are located in Rueda, where they produce white wines from the Verdejo grape, and in Cigales, where they make rosé wines.
The style of wine produced by Protos is elegant and expressive. Their red wines are made primarily from the Tempranillo grape, known locally as Tinta del País. These wines are known for their deep color, rich fruit flavors, and ability to age gracefully.
In the winery the grapes are carefully selected and fermented under controlled conditions. The wines are then aged in oak barrels, many of which are stored in the cool, dark tunnels beneath the castle. This ageing process adds complexity, structure, and depth to the wines.
Protos also produces fresh and aromatic white wines from the Verdejo grape in the Rueda region. These wines are crisp, with notes of citrus and herbs, and are made to be enjoyed young. In Cigales, the winery crafts vibrant and fruity rosé wines that are perfect for warm weather and casual meals.
