Wijntrip through Castilla y León
- Jan 21
- 2 min read
Explore the Contrasts of Rueda and Toro
Castilla y León is the true heart of Spain’s wine country. On the sweeping plateaus of the Duero River, two worlds meet: the crisp, refreshing whites of Rueda and the bold, raw power of Toro’s reds. Come along on an exclusive journey to three wineries that capture the region’s essence: Bodegas Mocén, Barco del Corneta, and Bodega Banastero.
1. Bodegas Mocén: A Cultural Treasure Trove in Rueda
A visit to Bodegas Mocén is far more than a standard tasting; it is a deep dive into Spanish history and art. Located in the historic heart of the D.O. Rueda, this winery is world-renowned for its unique fusion of wine and culture.
The Underground Museum: Beneath the winery lies a spectacular network of over 4 kilometers of 15th-century tunnels and galleries. Here, the wines age in the silence of ancient Mudejar vaults, flanked by a private library of 20,000 books and an impressive art collection featuring over 1,000 works.
The Wine Experience: Verdejo reflects this aristocratic setting: it is classic, crystal clear, and possesses an elegant structure that sets the standard for the region.
2. Barco del Corneta: The Rebellious Side of Verdejo
In La Seca we find Barco del Corneta, the visionary project of winemaker Beatriz Herranz. While Rueda is sometimes associated with mass production, this estate chooses a small-scale, almost Burgundian approach with a total focus on organic viticulture.
Purity and Character: By using wild yeasts and careful aging in French oak, the Verdejo here gains an unprecedented depth.
The Result: Not your average commercial white, but a complex wine with salty mineral notes and a fantastic texture that allows the true essence of the terroir to speak.het visionaire project van wijnmaakster Beatriz Herranz.
3. Bodega Banastero: Surprising Elegance from Toro
Those who think of the Toro region often envision heavy, robust wines with high alcohol levels. However, Bodega Banastero shatters this stereotype. Under the inspiring leadership of renowned winemaker Jabier Marquínez, Banastero showcases a modern, refined side of the Tinta de Toro grape.
The Master’s Touch: Marquínez succeeds in taming the natural power of Toro. Through an incredibly precise selection of very old vines, some over 100 years old, he creates a wine that is undeniably concentrated, yet remains remarkably fresh and silky.
Beyond Typical Toro: Instead of brute force, the focus here is on elegance and finesse. These wines are layered with notes of ripe black fruit and fine spices, supported by a velvet-smooth finish.
Conclusion: Spain’s Hidden Gems
From the historical grandeur of Mocén and the natural purity of Barco del Corneta to the groundbreaking elegance of Banastero: these three wineries offer a complete picture of what makes Castilla y León so unique.
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