The first bodega of the Ribera del Duero: founded in 1927 in Peñafiel
Bodegas Protos traces its roots back to eleven friends from Peñafiel who came together in 1927 to place their families' viticultural tradition into new hands. What began as a cooperative at the foot of the Castillo de Peñafiel was not just an economic project: it was the first step toward today's Denominación de Origen Ribera del Duero. The name for it was provided by Protos itself — the bodega was originally called "Bodega Ribera del Duero" and transferred its own brand to the newly founded Consejo Regulador in 1982 so that the entire region could bear a common name. Protos comes from Greek and means "the first" — a claim that was the program from the very beginning. As early as the 1929 Exposición Universal de Barcelona, the first vintages of 1927 and 1928 were awarded the gold medal.
The bodega grew steadily over the decades: in the 1970s, more than two kilometers of cellar galleries were created, hand-dug into the rock beneath the castle, where barricas mature at a constant temperature. In 1986, a second facility was added in Anguix in the province of Burgos, now developed into a high-performance operation. In 2008, a modern production building opened according to plans by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners — the office of Pritzker Prize winner Richard Rogers — directly next to the historic vaults.
Viticulture on 1,400 hectares between 750 and 900 meters altitude
Protos controls around 1,400 hectares of vineyard area, divided into numerous individual parcels with an average size of one hectare — spread across the entire Ribera del Duero. The vineyards are located on barren, low-humus soils on hillsides, most facing south, at altitudes of up to 900 meters. The bodega avoids pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in its entire production; deliberately low yields increase the concentration in the berry. This is complemented by photovoltaic systems for self-sufficiency and reduced water usage, which simultaneously creates controlled water stress. Harvesting and vinification follow the ambition to depict the terroir rather than smooth it out: manual harvesting in 20-kilo crates, selection on the belt, gentle maceration times.
Tinta del País at the center — from the accessible Roble to the homage wine Protos 27
The entire red wine range of Protos is based on 100% Tinta del País, the local name for Tempranillo. The Protos Roble matures for at least four months in the barrel and shows red and black fruit with fine roasted notes — accessible, with round tannins. The Protos Crianza spends at least 14 months in oak and is considered one of the best-selling wines in Spain. The Protos Reserva comes exclusively from vineyards with vines over 50 years old and brings more depth and tertiary aromatics. The Protos 27 is the homage to the founders: Tempranillo from old sites, aged in new French oak, concentrated and fresh at the same time. The portfolio is complemented by the Protos Verdejo Reserva from the D.O. Rueda — Verdejo, aged for at least 24 months on the lees in barrique — as well as the Aire de Protos Rosado from the D.O. Cigales. A lively assortment that shows the breadth of the region without losing the thread to its origin.
