The story began in 1906 when Juan Otero opened a hidden underground winery and little shop in Benavente. His son Manuel joined his enterprise in the 1950’s and began emptying the underground winery and expanding their operation to new areas within the region of Castilla y Léon. 1953 came their first successful Vintage and Bodegas Otero was born and remains a similar model today. Now onto their third generation, Julio Otero joined in 1984 after studying Wine and Economics. He focused on reaching the quality of production internally with their now expanded territory. The work, philosophy and adjustment of winemaking over these 3 generations has been expansive over their 100-year hstory. They successfully maintain a team of more than 300 local grape growers, have systematically restructured their vineyards and at the core have sound financial planning. Bodegas Otero combine their prudent business model with a respect for their history, love for the Castilla y Léon region and care for every step in the production of their wines. Inimitable, special and full of history.
Castilla y Léon is in north-west Spain, landlocked by Spain, bordering Portugal to the West. Castile and Leon are comprised of the cities of Zamora, Palencia, Ávila, Soria, Burgos, León, Salamanca, Segovia and Valladolid. The climate is very dry and hot during summer followed with a huge drop in winter –sometimes below freezing. The pronounced diurnal range in this region contributes to the distinctive local wine styles- the grapes ripen evenly where the warmer temperatures instil sugar development and the cooler temperatures preserve acidity, and aroma and flavour profile of the grape. The Vineyard is near the Douro River, this allows faster ripening as rivers cool down more slowly and retain heat longer than the atmosphere – careful and multiple picks are necessary to counteract any grape overripening. Their Vineyard – Pago de Valleoscuro – is a jumble of rocky outcrops and is 65 hectares suitable for growing Verdejo, Tempranillo, Mencía and last but not least their prized Prieto Picudo. This grape grows best in hot dry climates – being drought resistant – whilst still retaining a good level of acidity and responds well to heavy oaking if desired. An intense colour sets this local grape apart from other grown in Castilla y León, typical flavours include red and black fruits, liquorice and a sumptuous minerality. This grape is difficult one to grow but is certainly worth the effort! In recent times they have become internationally renowned and carry the Valles de Benavente label globally. More than excellent wine – expect to find products with a century of expertise in growing with a unique Valle de Benavente style – well worth a try.
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