Bodegas Penafalcon, Penafiel

Fantastic afternoon at Peñafalcón! Really interesting tour (thank you, we learnt a lot!) and amazing wines! We were also lucky enough to spend some time with the owner, such a lovely experience. Would definitely recommend!

Amazing tour of this family run estate of the Ribera del Duero, I didn't really know what to expect as I didn't know their wines. We had decided to go with my wife to Penafiel at the last minute and I randomly called a few estates the day before. By calling Peñafalcón, I had María José Arranz on the phone, the wife of the director Casimiro Marcos, and to my surprise she spoke French, we agreed on an appointment and the next day we were able to visit the cellar. The visit was absolutely incredible and was organized by the son of the owners, David. The origins of the winery go back to the ancestors of the current owners, who made their wine in the old wineries, which date back to the 17th century. Peñafalcón, which was the name of the town of Penafiel in the 11th century. I really appreciate their philosophy and their approach to wine, everything is done by hand, no herbicides or pesticides are used. The wines are made with a very strict selection of grapes and they proceed to a very long aging in barrels which as a result gives absolutely remarkable wines. We tasted 3 wines which were all absolutely fabulous (100% Tempranillo), Peñafalcón Vendimia Seleccionada 5 años barrica 2009, Peñafalcón Gran Reserva 5 años barrica 2007 Peñafalcón Siglo XI Gran Reserva 2006, aged 60 months in barrel. I was stunned by the level of these wines, combining power, elegance, a beautiful mineral structure, melted tannins, with very concentrated aromas of jammy black fruits, spices and tertiary aromas. You REALLY need to go there if you ever go to Penafiel, it worth every penny. Thank you, David, for the incredible visit and for your warm and passionate welcome.