Red dry
Protos Gran Reserva Ribera del Duero 2018 is one of the winery’s most prestigious wines, produced only from exceptional vintages and over 60 years old ‘Tempranillo’ (locally known as Tinta del País) vines. The 2018 harvest in the Ribera del Duero region was rated as very good, characterized by excellent grape ripeness and retained freshness.
The aromas reveal notes of black plums, blackberries and cherry jam, complemented by cocoa, tobacco, cedar, sweet spices and subtle nuances of smoke. Aging provides complex tertiary aromas, but the fruitiness remains lively and expressive.
The wine is rich and perfectly structured. Silky tannins, polished by many years of aging, provide elegance, while balanced acidity maintains freshness. Ripe black fruits, tobacco, licorice, dark chocolate and mineral notes dominate the taste. The aftertaste is long, concentrated and multi-layered.
The grapes come from old Ribera del Duero vineyards, growing in areas of calcareous and clayey soils around the city of Peñafiel. The large temperature differences between day and night allow the aromatic intensity and structure to be maintained, which is one of the most important features of the long-lasting wines of this region.
The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged for 24 months in mainly new French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels, and then rests for another 36 months in the bottle. The total aging period of five years gives it exceptional complexity and maturity potential.
Serving temperature: 17–18 °C. It is recommended to decant at least 1–2 hours before serving. Food pairings: aged beef, beef Wellington, lamb loin, Iberico pork, venison, long-aged hard cheeses.
A red with a round, creamy texture of ripe tannins and juicy, savory fruit. It’s medium-to full-bodied with lovely fruit and chocolate and light vanilla undertones. Flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.
Bodegas Protos is one of the oldest and most authoritative wineries in the Ribera del Duero region, widely regarded as a historical cornerstone of the appellation. Founded in 1927, well before Ribera del Duero received official DO status, the name Protos (from Greek, meaning “first”) symbolizes its pioneering role in the region.
Bodegas Protos was among the key initiators that helped shape Ribera del Duero into a world-class region for high-quality red wines. Today, it is an internationally recognized producer, exporting its wines to more than 100 countries and successfully combining long-standing tradition with modern winemaking.
What makes the winery distinctive
Architecture and wine tourism
In 2008, Bodegas Protos opened a new winery in the Ribera del Duero region designed by renowned British architect Sir Richard Rogers. The building has become one of Spain’s most striking examples of contemporary wine architecture, serving not only a functional purpose but also highlighting the winery’s modern, forward-looking vision.
Style and reputation
Bodegas Protos wines are characterized by a clear regional identity, structure, and balance. The Ribera del Duero red wines stand out for their ripe tannins, concentrated dark fruit character, and strong aging potential, while the Rueda Verdejo wines are known for their freshness, aromatic purity, and excellent gastronomic versatility.
