It’s an important moment for Bodegas Balbás, one of Spain’s oldest wineries, situated in La Horra or the ‘Golden Diamond’, in Spain’s prestigious Ribera del Duero region. Now sisters Patricia and María Balbás are taking over the reins from their parents, Juan José Balbás and Clara de la Fuente, becoming the seventh generation of their family to run the historic winery.
Continuity between successive generations is key to the winery’s approach, dating as far back as 1777, when Juan José’s great-great-grandfather, Abundio Balbás, first began producing wine from his own vineyards.
A story of many generations
Patricia and María have big shoes to fill – their father was one of the founders of Ribera del Duero’s Designation of Origin back in 1982. There’s also pressure to embrace the winemaking possibilities that the region offers – the highly regarded ‘Golden Diamond’ within the DO has been recognised as a key area for viticultural potential in Spain.
One thing that won’t change though is the family’s focus on using only its own grapes. Bodegas Balbás owns all its vineyards, which allows the winery to maintain complete control over the entire production process and to produce expressive wines that speak of terroir. The bodega owns 140 hectares of vineyards and many of the vines are up to 100 years old. Bodegas Balbás has also been a pioneer in planting vineyards at altitude, with vines situated at close to 1,000 metres above sea level, a reflection of the winery’s constant commitment to innovation.
A focus on quality
A focus on quality is demonstrated across the Bodegas Balbás portfolio, represented in two different ranges. The classic Balbás range is a faithful reflection of Ribera del Duero wines – from Crianza to Reserva and Gran Reserva. The wines are made under the expert guidance of winemaker Pedro de la Fuente and Fernando Izquierdo, director of viticulture, both of whom boast more than 25 years of experience working at Bodegas Balbás.
The Grandes Pagos range, meanwhile, celebrates specific plots, including La Retama – a modern white made from Albillo Mayor – and Alitus, a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the bodega’s oldest vines grown on its El Portillo estate. With an unremitting focus on quality and terroir expression, the latest generational handover marks an exciting new chapter for Bodegas Balbás.
Discover more about Bodegas Balbás
Connect onFacebook | Instagram
-
Editors’ picks: A clutch of great wines to try – April 2026See what our team has been trying recently...
-
Barcelona Wine Week: Trends and perspectivesThe latest edition of Spain’s largest wine fair set the stage for some exciting tastings and discussions, allowing our Spain Editor to take the pulse of the country’s scene and identify the hottest topics driving its evolution.
-
Gavi: Piedmont’s hidden gemSponsored Content Set between the Apennines and the Ligurian coast, Gavi combines medieval charm, distinctive gastronomy and one of Italy’s finest wines.
-
Cuatro Rayas: Past-proofing the futureResponsible for the largest area under vine in Rueda, this forward-thinking wine cooperative has embraced its role as the custodian of an invaluable natural and cultural heritage.
-
Cantina Tollo: Business not as usualSponsored Content In the heart of Abruzzo, Cantina Tollo is proving that cooperatives are becoming a key source of quality wine. The benchmark producer shows how a long-term vision can balance tradition and innovation to create a truly sustainable business – and some very serious wines.
-
Two different faces of Tuscany: Castello di Radda and Cantina Fabio MottaSponsored Content For 50 years the Agricole Gussalli Beretta group has been dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality in Italy’s most prestigious wine-growing regions.
-
Tenuta Il Finale – Shining a spotlight on Piedmont’s land and grapesSponsored Content A friendship forged through the world of business led three wine lovers to the steep hills of Piedmont, where they are championing the region’s local varieties.
-
Bordeaux whites and crémants: Energy, freshness and renewalSponsored Content A deep dive into the new-wave dry white and sparkling wines from a region undergoing a vibrant renaissance creating crisp, lively expressions that blend Atlantic freshness, historical roots, and modern innovation for everyday enjoyment.
-
Explore Spain with Pata NegraSponsored Content Celebrate the exciting diversity of the Spanish wine scene with the pioneering umbrella brand that brings together a selection of top denominations under just one label. The Pata Negra range allows you to explore regions from Rioja to Rueda – and beyond.
-
Dalmatia: Where to enjoy the stillness of fjakaSponsored Content When Dalmatia slows down in the early afternoon, here are some perfect places to enjoy a little dreaminess.
