Sotero Pintado: The Story of Zamora’s Ancient Vineyards

From 29 October to 1 November, Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel welcomes Bodegas Sotero Pintado, a family-run winery in Zamora with a deep-rooted commitment to preserving old vineyards and expressing the character of the land through its wines. Malvasía, Totem and La Reguilona take centre stage in this latest edition of our autumn Wine Days.

Some wines tell a story that begins long before the bottle is opened. It can be found in vineyards passed down through generations, in old vines that have stood the test of time, and in the people dedicated to preserving a landscape and the traditions that make it unique.

This is the story behind Bodegas Sotero Pintado, based in Benegiles, in the province of Zamora. The winery’s work focuses on recovering and preserving historic vineyards, guided by a simple belief: great wine begins in the vineyard. Each plot has its own character, shaped by the land, the climate and the generations who have cared for it.

Preserving a remarkable vineyard heritage

In Tierra del Vino de Zamora, vineyards are an integral part of the local landscape and winemaking tradition. Some of the vines cultivated by Sotero Pintado are more than 150 years old, growing on their own roots rather than grafted rootstocks. These rare, historic vines produce limited quantities of grapes and represent a valuable part of the region’s viticultural heritage.

Family history is at the heart of the project. Sotero Pintado is committed to bringing distinctive old vineyards back to life and preserving their individual character, allowing each plot to express its own identity through the wines it produces.

This philosophy continues in the winery, where indigenous yeasts, a light touch in the winemaking process and careful attention to each vineyard help preserve the character of the grapes. Concrete vats and large-format oak vessels play their part in the ageing process, allowing the wines to develop while keeping their origins firmly in focus.

It is an approach that looks ahead while remaining deeply connected to the past — preserving traditions not simply for their history, but for what they can still offer today.

Three wines, three expressions of the land

Malvasía, Totem and La Reguilona offer three different perspectives on the work of Sotero Pintado and the character of its vineyards.

Malvasía Sobre Lías is made from old vines of the Malvasía grape, aged between 90 and 120 years, from vineyards in Benegiles and El Maderal. Aged on its lees for ten months in French oak barrels, the wine develops texture and complexity while retaining the freshness, floral notes and mineral character that define its style.

Totem El Labajo comes from a distinctive vineyard planted with old Tinta Fina vines, also known as Tempranillo, aged between 100 and 130 years. Its careful ageing brings together ripe fruit, subtle spice and a beautifully structured palate, expressing the character of this particular site.

La Reguilona holds a special place in the family’s history. Its grapes come from a 2.32-hectare vineyard planted in 1878 by Sotero Pintado’s great-great-grandfather. Made entirely from Tinto Fino, the wine reflects the enduring connection between family, vineyard and place. Ageing in French oak, followed by further time in the bottle, allows its depth and individual character to develop.

Three distinctive wines, united by a shared philosophy: a wine’s identity begins in the vineyard, long before the harvest, and is shaped by the place from which it comes..

Autumn flavours at the table

At Zorita’s Kitchen, autumn brings its own inspiration to the table. Wild mushrooms, game and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients take centre stage in a menu created to celebrate the flavours of the season.

Wine and food come together naturally, each bringing out new dimensions in the other. The textures and aromas of a dish can reveal unexpected nuances in a wine, while the wine itself can transform the way we experience an ingredient.

It is a relationship built on the same principles that guide thoughtful winemaking: respect for the product, patience and an appreciation of the people and places behind it.

Discover the story behind every glass

From 29 October to 1 November, our autumn Wine Days invite guests to discover Bodegas Sotero Pintado through three of its wines: Malvasía, Totem and La Reguilona.

It is an opportunity to explore the story of Zamora’s old vineyards and discover a winery that looks to the future while remaining faithful to its roots.

Because some bottles hold more than wine. They carry the memory of a family, the character of a landscape and the enduring value of traditions worth preserving.

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