The story begins with Belgian entrepreneur Mark Schiettekat, who started his Spanish wine journey in 1983. His vision crystalized in 1996 with a promise made in Calatayud, though it would take until 2018 for that promise to fully materialize. When the local cooperative in Maluenda faced closure in 2020, Schiettekat stepped in, preserving not just jobs but generations of winemaking tradition. This intervention perfectly embodied the winery’s philosophy: character is not a coincidence but the result of dedicated effort and authentic connection to the land.
Terroir and Vineyards
The Land
The winery’s vineyards span elevations from 600 to 1,100 meters above sea level, creating a diverse tapestry of microclimates and exposures. The region’s distinctive slate soils, locally known as “Las Pizarras,” force vine roots to dig deep for water and nutrients, naturally limiting yields and concentrating flavors.
Climate and Conditions
The continental climate presents both challenges and opportunities:
- Temperature variations of up to 40°C between seasons
- Daily temperature swings exceeding 20°C
- The persistent Cierzo wind, which naturally reduces disease pressure
- Limited rainfall creating beneficial stress on the vines
Vineyard Sites
Three primary vineyard sites form the cornerstone of their premium wine production:
Las Lomas
- Elevation: 650 meters
- Aspect: South-facing
- Soil: Predominantly slate with limestone elements
- Notable for its old-vine Garnacha (60+ years)
Viña Alarba
- Elevation: 850 meters
- Location: Sierra de Pardos foothills
- Special characteristics: Low-yielding vines over 60 years old
- Unique microclimate influenced by mountain winds
Viña Acered
- Historical significance: Ancient wine-growing village
- Elevation: Over 800 meters
- Known for its traditional bush-trained vines
Winemaking Philosophy
The winery’s approach combines respect for tradition with modern precision:
- Minimal intervention winemaking
- Focus on single-vineyard expressions
- Careful oak aging in French and American barrels
- Emphasis on preserving varietal character
- Commitment to Indigenous grape varieties
Detailed Wine Profiles and Personal Tasting Notes
Raíces Malvar 2022
Technical Details:
- Region: DO Madrid
- Soil: Predominantly granitic with limestone
- Altitude: 650-750m
- Aging: 3 months in French oak barrels
- Production: Limited release
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Bright, pale lemon with crystalline clarity and slight green reflections at the rim
- Nose: Medium+ intensity with immediate fresh citrus notes, lemon zest, peach, and subtle oak-derived vanilla. Secondary aromas of white flowers, fresh herbs, and a distinctive mineral character
- Palate: Dry, with medium+ body and bright, refreshing acidity. The oak aging provides subtle complexity without overwhelming the delicate fruit character. Layers of stone fruit, citrus zest, and wet stone minerality unfold across the palate. The finish is long and elegant with a subtle almond note
- Structure: Alcohol 13%, Medium+ acidity, Medium body
- Development: Ready to drink now but will maintain quality for 2-3 years
- Quality Level: Very good
Raíces Albillo 2022
Technical Details:
- Region: DO Castilla León
- Soil: Mix of clay and limestone
- Altitude: Traditional high-altitude vineyards
- Aging: No oak aging
- Special Notes: From one of Spain’s oldest grape varieties, with over 2,000 years of history
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Clear, medium lemon with bright reflections and good viscosity
- Nose: Pronounced aromatic profile featuring white flowers, jasmine, orange blossom, ripe red apple, almond blossom, and subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs. Additional notes of peach and citrus develop with aeration
- Palate: Dry, with impressive texture and weight. The wine shows a remarkable balance between fruit concentration and fresh high acidity. Complex flavors of ripe orchard fruits, citrus peel, and subtle nutty notes lead to a long, mineral-driven finish
- Structure: Alcohol 13.5%, High acidity, Medium+ body
- Development: Drink now through 2024
- Quality Level: Very good to outstanding
Las Pizarras Las Lomas 2021
Technical Details:
- Region: DO Calatayud
- Vineyard: Single vineyard at 650m altitude
- Soil: Slate-dominated with limestone elements
- Vines: 60+ year-old Garnacha
- Aging: 6 months in 225L French oak barrels
- Production: Small-batch production from selected parcels
- Awards: 92 points Guía Peñín, 91 points Decanter
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Deep ruby core with bright purple rim and high-intensity
- Nose: Complex and intense bouquet featuring ripe black fruits like blackberry, black cherry, Mediterranean herbs, thyme, rosemary, distinctive slate minerality, and subtle spice notes from oak aging. Additional aromas of violet, black pepper, and wild herbs emerge with time
- Palate: Full-bodied with refined, well-integrated tannins. Exceptional balance between fruit concentration and fresh acidity. Shows layers of dark fruit, mineral notes, and complex spice elements. The finish is remarkably long, with persistent fruit and mineral notes
- Structure: Alcohol 14.5%, Medium+ acidity, High but fine-grained tannins
- Development: Drinking beautifully now but will improve over 5-7 years
- Quality Level: Outstanding
Las Pizarras Viña Alarba 2021
Technical Details:
- Region: DO Calatayud
- Vineyard: Historic vineyard site in Alarba village
- Altitude: 850m
- Soil: Slate and alluvial deposits
- Vines: 60+ years old
- Aging: 6 months in 225L French oak barrels
- Production: Limited release of single-vineyard wine
- Awards: 91 points Guía Proensa, Mundus Vini Gold Medal
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Deep purple-ruby core with bright garnet rim
- Nose: Complex bouquet showcasing intense dark berries blackberry, mulberry, plump, spice elements, black pepper, clove), and floral notes violet, dried rose. Additional aromas of garrigue, mineral notes, and subtle oak-derived spice
- Palate: Full-bodied with impressive concentration and remarkable freshness. Shows an excellent balance between fruit intensity and structural elements. The wine displays layers of dark fruit, spice, and mineral notes with a distinctive slate character. Long, complex finish with recurring fruit and spice notes
- Structure: Alcohol 14.5%, Medium+ acidity, High but elegant tannins
- Development: Will continue to evolve positively for 7-10 years
- Quality Level: Outstanding
Each of these wines showcases the unique terroir of their respective regions and the winery’s commitment to preserving and promoting Spain’s indigenous varieties. The careful winemaking approach allows each wine to express its distinct personality while maintaining a common thread of excellence and authenticity.
Sustainability and Community
Bodegas Raíces Ibéricas demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and community development:
- Preservation of old vines (some over 80 years)
- Support for local grape growers
- Employment of traditional farming methods
- Organization of wine tourism activities
- Cultural preservation through wine education
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
The winery continues to evolve and innovate:
- Expansion of single-vineyard program
- Investment in modern winemaking equipment
- Development of wine tourism infrastructure
- Growing international recognition
- Increasing focus on premium wine production
Conclusion
Bodegas Raíces Ibéricas represents a remarkable convergence of tradition and innovation in Spanish wine. Through their careful stewardship of old vines and commitment to Indigenous varieties, they’re not just making wine—they’re preserving and elevating a vital part of Spain’s cultural heritage. Their wines offer wine enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of Spanish terroir through the lens of thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking.
The winery’s motto, “Character is no coincidence,” perfectly encapsulates their approach: excellence requires dedication, understanding, and a deep connection to land and community. As they continue to uncover and showcase Spain’s hidden wine treasures, Bodegas Raíces Ibéricas stands as a beacon for the future of Spanish wine, proving that preservation and progress can work hand in hand.
