Vinos de Pago in Valencia
In addition to the around 70 Denominación de Origen (DO, for example Utiel-Requena) and the only two Denominación de Origin Calificada (DOCa: Rioja and Priorat), Spain counts 23 Vinos de Pago (VP). A Vino de Pago is a classification for a specific vineyard or bodega, whereas DO’s and DOCa’s are classifications for an entire wine region. The label Vino de Pago indicates that grapes are grown in a specific (micro)climate on soils that differentiate the Pago from the rest of the zone. Valencia has five Vinos de Pago, all located within the boundaries of DO Utiel-Requena.
El Terrerazo
El Terrerazo was granted Vino de Pago in 2010 and is part of Bodega Mustiguillo. Led by Toni Sarrión, this is bodega produces excellent wines at 800 to 900 m altitude. Vino de Pago El Terrerazo and their top wine Quincha Corral are complex wines made from the indigenous Bobal grape that can age very well.
Los Balagueses
Pago de Los Balagueses is part of Bodegas Vegalfaro and was awarded Vino de Pago in 2011. Los Balagueses wines are made from various international grapes Syrah, Garnacha and Chardonnay on 18th hectares surrounded by pine, almond and olive trees. Quality wines created by Rodolfo Valiente.
Chozas Carrascal
Chozas Carrascal was founded in 1990 and is currently it led by María José López Peidro and Julián López Peidro. Vineyards at higher altitudes of 750 to 840 meters produce wines from Bobal with 100 year old vines, Garnacha Tinta and Monastrell as well as international varieties that go into their Vino de Pago wines, the classification they received in 2012.
Vera de Estenas
Vera de Estenas, led by Félix Martínez is a beautifully situated bodega on top of a little hill with great vineyard views and where their wine can be enjoyed in the restaurant garden (see cover photo). Here we can find some of the region’s oldest, 100 year old Bobal vines. Vera de Estenas was classified Vino de Pago in 2013, offering wines at accessible prices.
Pago de Tharsys
Awarded the Vino de Pago status in 2019 and led by Rebeca García, Ana Suria and Vicente García, Pago de Tharsys in the Utiel-Requena region is known in particular for its Cava’s. Under the Vino de Pago label, white, red and sweet wines are produced. The bodega welcomes enotourism and has a rural hotel for a full wine experience.
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About Ivan Wines
Spain is home to many beautiful, but also lesser-known quality wines. With Ivan Wines, I focus on discovering and promoting these wines, the makers and the regions. As a Dutch Registered Vinologist and WSET Level 3 Wines Certified, I organise tastings and wine tours from Valencia. To subscribe to my newsletter, click the button on this page.
