Bodegas Ismael Arroyo - Valsotillo

The family of Ismael Arroyo has winemaking in their blood: generation after generation, and for 400 years, this lineage has upheld the winemaking tradition. The winery (1979) is located in Sotillo de la Ribera (Burgos) and predates the creation of the Denomination of Origin Ribera del Duero; in fact, Ismael Arroyo was one of the winemakers who promoted the establishment of the D.O. in 1982. Committed to quality and tradition, this winery owns 25 hectares of vineyards in Sotillo de la Ribera, and controls an additional 55 hectares from local growers; all cultivated with the tempranillo (tinta del país) grape variety. A valuable heritage of old vineyards with an average age of 60 years, traditionally cultivated in bush vine training, yielding low quantities but exceptional quality. The vines grow on well-ventilated and sunny slopes, where they develop naturally, without drip irrigation or chemical fertilizers.

The aging of the wines takes place in a 16th-century underground cellar: 2,000 square meters of galleries carved into rock—hence the nickname "Cathedral of Wine"—where the wines age under optimal conditions. Bodegas Ismael Arroyo markets two brands: Mesoneros de Castilla, dedicated to rosé wines, young reds, and Roble red; and Valsotillo, including Finca Buenavista, a Crianza, a Reserva, a Reserva Vendimia Seleccionada, and a Gran Reserva. In total, they produce 280,000 bottles annually, 70% of which are destined for export.