Protos’27: a tribute to the visionaries who gave birth to a legend of Spanish wine
Protos’27 is a wine with soul — a creation that pays homage to the eleven founders who, in 1927, gave life to Bodegas Protos, a pioneering estate and enduring symbol of winemaking excellence in the Ribera del Duero. This wine embodies the tradition, innovation, and passion that have guided the winery since its origins, distilling in each bottle a decade of research, dedication, and respect for the land.
A tribute to the origins of Protos
Protos’27 represents the pioneering spirit that has defined the winery since its foundation. It is the result of ten years of research into vineyard management, barrel characterisation, and the use of native yeasts from the estate’s own vineyards. Every aspect of its creation has been carefully designed to reflect the authenticity of the terroir and Protos’ unwavering commitment to excellence.
Old vineyards from Burgos: the soul of the wine
The grapes that bring this wine to life come from old vineyards in the province of Burgos, planted at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level. With vines over 50 years old and a yield limited to 2,500 kg per hectare, these vineyards capture the full character of the Tempranillo (Tinta del País) variety in small, concentrated bunches of exceptional quality. The combination of calcareous and clay soils, together with the extreme continental climate of the Ribera del Duero, gives the grapes their unique intensity and elegance.
Harvesting is carried out by hand in small 20 kg boxes to ensure that each cluster reaches the winery in perfect condition. This meticulous care from vineyard to cellar is key to preserving the aromatic purity and structure that define Protos’27.
Precise and respectful winemaking
The winemaking process for Protos’27 combines technical precision with deep respect for tradition. After a cold pre-fermentation maceration, the alcoholic fermentation takes place at 25 °C in 12,000 kg stainless steel vats, using selected yeasts from the estate’s own vineyards. Over approximately 20 days of maceration, daily pump-overs gently extract tannins and colour, producing a wine of balance, depth, and refinement.
Ageing and evolution
Following fermentation, the wine is transferred to new French oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for a minimum of 16 months. During this period, the wine develops complex notes of spice, cocoa, and fine toast, harmoniously integrated with the Tempranillo’s fruit character. It then rests for at least 12 months in bottle, achieving balance and roundness before its release.
The result is a wine of great depth, with a silky texture and a perfect balance between fruit, oak, and minerality. Its long ageing grants it elegance and longevity, making it a red wine with excellent cellaring potential.
Sensory profile
Protos’27 displays a bright, intense cherry-red colour. On the nose, it reveals exceptional complexity with aromas of ripe black fruit, violets, liquorice, and an elegant background of French oak providing notes of vanilla, cocoa, and roasted coffee. On the palate, it is broad, structured, and silky, with polished tannins and perfectly balanced acidity adding freshness. The finish is long, persistent, and refined, leaving impressions of fruit, minerality, and subtle spice.
A wine with identity and character
Protos’27 reflects the philosophy of the winery: “To be the first” (from the Greek, Protos) — not only in name, but in quality and innovation. This wine captures the essence of the Ribera del Duero and the legacy of one of Spain’s most iconic wineries. It is a wine that unites history and modernity, strength and balance, depth and finesse, proving that greatness is achieved through patience and respect for the land.
Serving and pairing recommendations
To fully appreciate its character, Protos’27 should be served between 16 and 18 °C. Its structure and complexity make it an ideal match for red meats, traditional roasts, game stews, aged cheeses, or dishes with mushrooms. It is also perfect for enjoying in a wide glass, allowing slow oxygenation and the full expression of its aromatic richness.
Protos: a story still being written
Since its foundation in 1927, Bodegas Protos has remained committed to innovation and quality, standing among Spain’s most prestigious wineries. Protos’27 is the embodiment of that visionary spirit and the constant pursuit of perfection. More than a wine, it is a bottled legacy — a tribute to those who began the journey and to those who continue to elevate it today.
At Licorea, Protos’27 stands out as one of the jewels of Ribera del Duero: an elegant, intense, and balanced wine, perfect for those who wish to discover the most authentic essence of one of Spain’s most historic and distinguished wineries.
