Harvesting Perfection: Bodegas Puelles’ Sustainable Approach to Winemaking

Ábalos has long been home to the esteemed Puelles Family, a lineage deeply rooted in winemaking traditions. The brothers Felix and Jesus Puelles, carrying on the family legacy, acquired the Molino plantation in 1844. In 1985, they made the momentous decision to relocate to this enchanting enclave, building their home and realizing their dream: Bodegas Puelles. They transformed the Molino Estate into a charming winery, situated beside the ancient 17th-century mill that had been purchased by their ancestors from the town council.

The Puelles Family began producing wine years ago, but it wasn’t until 1974 that their wines gained recognition in the market. In 1987, they started bottling their wines at El Molino, the heart of Bodegas Puelles. The winery was carefully designed to maintain high-quality standards. Grapes are gently destemmed, undergo controlled fermentations, and benefit from natural cooling provided by the mill’s river. Pressing is done using a pneumatic air pressure system. In the underground barrel cellar, a consistent temperature and humidity level are maintained. French and American oak barrels are used for their soft tannins and distinct aromas.

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Ábalos boasts a long history of viticulture, with ancient cave presses still scattered across its fields, their origins shrouded in mystery. The village’s scenic beauty and location make it an idyllic destination for wine enthusiasts. Bodegas Puelles, with its winery and hotel, provides the perfect setting to delve into the world of wine. Widely regarded as one of the premier wine-growing regions globally, Ábalos is characterized by clay-limestone soils, optimal for cultivating grapes. The Tempranillo variety has been the most prolific, thriving in the area. The Puelles vineyards span elevations from 450 to 630 meters and are located just a few kilometers from the winery.

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At Bodegas Puelles, they firmly believe that exceptional wines originate in the vineyard. The family diligently tends to their vines, employing sustainable and ecological viticultural practices that prioritize environmental respect and enhance grape quality. Chemical fertilizers and herbicides are eschewed, and treatments are limited to those absolutely necessary. They utilize organic fertilization materials, control pests and diseases, foster increased biodiversity in and around the vineyard, and carefully regulate vine yields. Bodegas Puelles also champions the idea that great wines are a reflection of their terroir, the profound connection between the soil, microclimate, grape variety, and centuries of winemaking heritage.

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Harvest at Bodegas Puelles is a labor-intensive affair, with meticulous manual selection of each bunch, further exemplifying their commitment to vineyard care and enhancement. Furthermore, the proximity of their vineyards to the winery minimizes grape transport time, preserving the utmost quality in their wines.

The Puelles Family’s unwavering dedication and reverence for winemaking traditions are evident in every bottle produced at Bodegas Puelles. Their commitment to sustainable practices, coupled with their understanding of the region’s unique terroir, culminate in wines that capture the essence of Ábalos and its everlasting bond with vine and wine.

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