Bodegas y Viñedos Tábula
Ribera del Duero, España
Their Story
Bodegas y Viñedos Tábula was created in 2002 by José Luis Muñoz, a Valladolid businessman with the backing of a small group of friend-entrepreneurs from diverse sectors in the Castilla Y Leon region. José Luis has been at the winery’s helm since the very beginning. Despite the winery’s young age, it has been very well-received by consumers and the press, with high ratings in the most prestigious international publications, such as the Peñín Guide, Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, Decanter and the Purple Pages of Jancis Robinson.
The winery has 60 acres of vines meticulously crafted into terroir-driven wines with a certain class that Reyes Selections loves. A strident selection process sorts the best fruit, coupled with modern vinification methods to draw out layers of expression and age-worthiness of Ribera del Duero’s famed variety.
Founded: 2002
Owner: José Luis Muñoz
Winemaker: Aurora García
Annual Production: 25,000 cases
Winery Location: Olivares de Duero
Vineyard: 22 hectares in Olivares – Between Valladolid and Peñafiel, in the heart of Ribera del Duero
How We Met
My co-buyer back in the day, Tim Marson MW, knew Bodegas Tabula from his years at Bibendum, UK. On his first trip to Prowein with our team (I think it was 2012) he took me to visit the indefatigable proprietor, José Luis Muñoz. His Riberas were no joke! Poised and dense, these are statuesque versions of Tempranillo. Even his entry Damana 5 benefits from a little decanting, and then poof, it’s off to the races with his Gran Tabula.
Quick Facts on Ribera del Duero
HISTORY: DO Established in 1982. Until the 1990s there were very few wineries in Ribera del Duero, after which the number of vineyard plantings and new wineries has exploded. Wineries such as Vega Sicilia & Pesquera brought attention and accolades to the area. Relative proximity to Madrid meant that it soon became popular amongst Spanish fine-wine drinkers.
TODAY: Much investment has come from wineries in other regions, particularly Catalunya and Rioja. The investment in the area has undoubtedly been positive and has boosted the status of the region.
TERROIR: Located on the elevated northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula at 2800 ft above sea level. Hot and dry summers are followed by harsh winters and spring frosts can present a threat. Plantings are almost entirely made up of Tempranillo, here called Tinto Fino or Tinta del País.