The grapes come from the winery's own vineyards around Quintanilla de Onésimo, in the heart of the most prestigious part of Ribera del Duero.
- Location / Origin: Finca Villacreces is located on a meander of the Duero, in Ribera del Duero's Golden Mile. The vineyards are surrounded by a 200-year-old pine forest that creates a unique microclimate around the parcels.
- Altitude: The vines grow at about 700 m above sea level. The large temperature differences between warm days and cool nights support even ripening and help the grapes retain their natural acidity.
- Soil: The parcels vary from very sandy soil near the forest to stony soils with alluvial pebbles from the Duero. These poor, well-draining soils limit natural yields and produce concentrated fruit.
- Vineyard Management: The winery's own vineyards are divided into different parcels and are cared for according to integrated viticulture principles. Production remains limited to less than 2 kg of grapes per vine, with average yields around 4000 kg per hectare.
A double selection and precisely adjusted wood aging give Pruno its combination of ripe fruit, structure, and suppleness.
- Harvest & Selection: The grapes are hand-picked into small 15 kg crates. This is followed by a double sorting round where both the entire bunches and individual grapes are checked.
- Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with regular cap immersion. Malolactic fermentation occurs partly in stainless steel and partly in wooden barrels, which rounds off the acidity and builds extra texture.
- Wood Aging: The wine ages for 10 months in second- and third-year barrels of 75% French and 25% American oak. The French wood brings refinement and spice, while the American oak further supports the round, inviting style.
- Alcohol Content: At 14.5% alcohol, the 2023 vintage possesses sufficient power and volume, while the juicy fruit and fresh acidity provide an energetic balance.
The blend combines the local strength of Tempranillo with small percentages of international grape varieties.
- 94% Tempranillo – Ribera del Duero: Tempranillo forms the backbone and brings ripe cherry fruit, volume, and a firm, fine-grained tannin structure.
- 4% Cabernet Sauvignon – Ribera del Duero: Cabernet Sauvignon adds extra grip, dark fruit notes, and a spicy dimension to the blend.
- 2% Merlot – Ribera del Duero: Merlot adds suppleness and roundness, making the wine particularly inviting to drink even when young.
