Cuarto de Luna

The linear character of the single-varietal Tempranillos produced by Miguel Calvo at his estate on the Ribera del Duero plateau reflect the barren beauty of one of Spain’s best-loved wine regions.

The Calvo family live in the Ribera del Duero municipality of Sotillo de la Ribera high up on Spain’s central plateau. They have been growing wine for many generations. Their vineyards sit on dry, stony soils 500 to 700 metres above sea level – an austere setting where sunny days but cool nights make for challenging conditions. At first sight, it would be hard to believe that this part of the wine world is famous the world over.

From grape grower to winemaker

Around 15 years ago, Miguel Calvo decided to stop selling the grapes from his 30 hectares of vineyard to some of the region’s renowned producers. Instead, he began to reap the benefits of his hard work and uncompromising commitment to quality by vinifying all this fruit himself. His sizeable Tempranillo holdings, planted up to 100 years ago and referred to locally as Tinta del País, provided him with the financial buffer he needed to take the plunge.

The essence of Ribera del Duero

Miguel has known the local terroir and the vagaries of the Ribera del Duero climate inside out since he was a young lad. He tends his vineyards meticulously. When replacing ailing vines, he carefully chooses cuttings from his old vines and propagates these to preserve their valuable genetic heritage. Few peers are as exemplary in their approach. At his winery, a stylish yet functional new build, Miguel makes pure, linear Ribera del Duero wines that are expressive of the land on which they were born.