Alma Carrovejas
The story of José María and the world of wine began a few years earlier, in 1971, when he participated as a Spanish representative in the "First World Sommelier Competition" in Milan. This experience was the cornerstone of his desire to open his own restaurant and market his own wines. By the time he was fully established in the hospitality world following the opening of his already renowned restaurant, José María, in Segovia in 1982, he pursued his determination to found a small winery to offer the best quality wines for his restaurant.
Thus began the story of Pago de Carraovejas, when the winery was founded in 1987 in Peñafiel, specifically on the slopes of Carraovejas. The location of these first nine hectares, chosen because it is a major historical center for Ribera del Duero wines and because of its location, soil, and climate, which make it one of the most promising areas for Spanish wines, is the starting point for a project that has already produced more than thirty vintages.
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Geography
At 1,076 meters above sea level, Milsetentayseis is the highest vineyard in the Ribera del Duero. The ancestral vineyards of Milsetentayseis are rooted in history and are an integral part of Alma Carraovejas' commitment to revitalizing regions deeply steeped in viticultural tradition. Behind this lies a passion for creating unique wines that capture the essence of this extreme environment. The Tempranillo grows harmoniously among other local grape varieties such as Albillo, Monastrell, and Grenache, all of which can reach their full potential at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. The vines are located next to an old open-pit mine and continue to benefit from the remaining minerals.
The barren soil, consisting mainly of red clay and white limestone, requires the vines to regulate themselves and give their best, while the mineral influence of muscovite, feldspar, quartz, and mica gives the wines their unique character. Through specialized viticulture practices at high altitudes, the extreme conditions are harnessed so that the grapes can reach their full potential and express themselves best in an exceptionally high-quality final product.
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The Spanish wine region of Ribera del Duero is located in the northern Spanish region of Castilla y León, just a 2-hour drive from Madrid. Although viticulture in this area dates back more than 2,000 years, it was not until the 1980s that 9 wineries applied for and were granted Denominación de Origen (D.O.) status. Today, more than 300 wineries are based in Ribera del Duero, including some of Spain's most famous names.
Notable facts: Ribera's main grape variety, Tempranillo, also known as Tinto Fino, is perfectly adapted to the region's extreme climate, where it must withstand scorching summers and cold winters. The low yields resulting from the conscientious care of old vines planted in Ribera's diverse soils give Ribera wines a distinctive depth and complexity not found in other Tempranillos. The spicy, dark fruit and smoky aromas of a robust Ribera del Duero pair well with roasted and grilled meats, Mexican food, and tomato-based sauces.
It is harvested by hand from a selection of the vineyard's best plots and then placed into concrete, oak, or stainless steel fermentation vats depending on the characteristics of the grape and the soil in which it was grown. Its production is characterized by the team's constant vigilance throughout the entire process and by an intimate knowledge of the region, the soils, and the native grape varieties that thrive there.
