In the Ribera del Duero, one of the most prominent wine-growing areas of our country, we find a winery that has managed to make a place for itself in the hearts of wine lovers. This is Bodegas Lleiroso, founded in 2001 in Valbuena de Duero, in the heart of the "Golden Mile" of the Designation of Origin.
Since its inception, the winery has had a clear purpose: to make high-end wines that reflect the winemaking tradition of Ribera del Duero, but with its own style and personality. And it seems that they have achieved it, since their trajectory of more than 20 years has led them to become one of the most recognized and respected wineries in the area.
But what is the secret of Bodegas Lleiroso's success? Without a doubt, one of the key factors is its commitment to quality from the beginning to the end of the production process. It all begins in its own vineyards, located in Valbuena de Duero, Pesquera de Duero and Peñafiel. In total, 25 hectares of vineyards where they exclusively grow the Tempranillo variety, one of the most characteristic and appreciated grapes in the area.
But they are not only limited to their own plots, since for more than a decade they have been working with a small number of families of winegrowers with whom they collaborate hand in hand throughout the year, taking exhaustive care of the selection of the grapes to guarantee the best raw material. And, as Bodegas Lleiroso knows well, the quality of the wine begins in the vineyard.
The grapes that arrive at the winery are treated with the utmost care so as not to damage them, respecting their integrity as much as possible. During the harvest, it is collected in boxes with a capacity of no more than 15 kg, to prevent the clusters from being damaged and these are subjected to the harsh test of the selection table, where the lower quality grapes are separated. All this to ensure that only the best grapes reach fermentation.
In the winery, they have modern and innovative production and aging facilities that allow them to control each stage of the process. This is where the personality of their wines comes into play, which is achieved thanks to the combination of tradition and modernity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and wooden tanks, to obtain the best expression of the grapes. And the aging takes place in French and American oak barrels, where the wine acquires complexity and elegance.
But, without a doubt, one of the most outstanding elements of the winery is its location. Located in Valbuena de Duero, a few meters from the river that nourishes its vineyards and next to the Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena, an impressive 12th century building, spa and headquarters of the Las Ages of Man Foundation.
In addition, the winery has modern production and aging facilities that allow the entire wine production process to be carried out with the highest standards of quality and technology.
Regarding its work philosophy, Bodegas Lleiroso is based on respect for nature and the environment, as well as collaboration and support for local winegrowers. The winery is proud to have a team of highly qualified professionals, who work with dedication and passion at every stage of the winemaking process, from grape harvesting to final bottling.
Among its most notable wines is the Lleiroso Crianza, a wine that has received numerous recognitions and awards at a national and international level, and which represents the essence of the Ribera del Duero at its finest. Made with grapes selected from our own vineyards, this wine has been aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, which gives it great complexity and elegance on the palate.
Another of their most notable wines is the Lleiroso Reserva, a wine that is made only in the best vintages, and that has been aged for 15 months in French oak barrels.
This wine is characterized by its great aromatic intensity and balance in the mouth, with a long and persistent finish. Ruby red in color with garnet nuances, limpid and bright. High layer.
Its aroma is very complex due to its preparation and aging. Balsamic, spicy, roasted and mineral among many others, with a background of ripe fruit.
On the palate it is tasty, silky and above all elegant. With a long, powerful and very pleasant aftertaste. Ideal to pair with red meats and game, highly aged cheeses and chocolate.
Lleiroso Reserva 2017 is one of the wines found within the Ribera de Duero Selection of Gourmet La Vanguardia.
Along with him, Marqués de Burgos 2019 from Bodegas LAN and Phylos 2016 from De Blas Serrano.
Six bottles that you can buy at gourmetlavanguardia.com or by calling 935 500 105.
