Bodegas Tobelos: set among ‘old stones’ and singular vineyards

The Briñas winery, with magnificent views of the Conchas de Haro and the Bilibio crags, sits on the site of an ancient 900-year-old settlement.

Tobelos is located in one of the most traditional winegrowing areas in Rioja, on a steep slope overlooking the Ebro river, at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria range and the Obarenes mountains, with breathtaking views of the Conchas de Haro and the Bilibio crags, visible from the winery’s windows. The building sits on the site of an ancient 900-year-old settlement. The remains of a necropolis were recently discovered nearby.

Still in San Vicente de la Sonsierra but bordering on Labastida lies Quiñones de Tobelos, an 80-year-old vineyard that is a must-see for visitors. In addition to the old vineyards, there are some archaeological remains (La Fonsagrada), where you can see the ruins of a shrine and a necropolis dating from the 10th-11th century.

The appointment a few years ago of Adriana Laucirica as technical director opened a new chapter for Bodegas Tobelos: “We place greater emphasis on primary sensations, seeking to offer more while maintaining the identity that the winery has built up over the years with a great deal of hard work.” Tobelos makes a Viñedo Singular white called Los Quiñones de Tobelos: “For me, Los Quiñones is a really special vineyard,” says Laucirica. “That’s the extra dimension I was talking about, with a greater commitment, if possible, to the vineyards and to the area where we are.”

Tobelos plans to own 50% of its vineyards in the coming years, while working with regular suppliers of old vines from the extraordinary triangle formed by Briñas, Labastida and San Vicente: “It’s a spectacular area, which enables us to make wines with personality,” the winemaker points out.

The winery also makes Leukade, a powerful wine selected from the oldest vineyards which is only made in special vintages; Tahón de Tobelos, a more classic style Reserva, which combines the primary quality of a selection of old vines with the added presence of oak; a unique and fresh Garnacha with the area’s Atlantic character; Tobelos Blanco, Viura blended with a little Garnacha Blanca and Sauvignon Blanc aged on its lees in concrete, tanks and foudres. Tobelos Tempranillo is the winery’s flagship wine (almost 200,000 bottles) —it is so popular in the region that people order it on the bars by its name (Tobelos) rather than by its style (Crianza). Wine tourism activities are available in Spanish, English and French featuring a wide range of tours, including the vineyards and the surrounding area.