22 Apr 2025
This week I’ve been back to Cellar Door Wines to ask Penny what wines she has in store to delight our palettes! She has something for everyone and can recommend wines to suit all of your spring food choices.
Having recently taken part in a Ribera del Duero masterclass I was delighted to hear Penny had selected a red and a white from this region.
In the heart of the Ribera del Duero region, the village of Sotillo de la Ribera is home to Bodegas Felix Callejo, a family-owned winery that has been crafting exceptional wines since 1989. This winery is a shining example of dedication to quality, sustainability, and the unique terroir of the region.
Bodegas Felix Callejo was founded by Felix Callejo, who had a vision of creating wines that truly represent the essence of their origin.
Today, the winery is managed by his children, who have continued to uphold and expand upon their father’s legacy.
The second generation, including José Félix, Noelia, Cristina, and Beatriz Callejo, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the winery.
One of the core principles of Bodegas Felix Callejo is their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. The family believes in respecting the land and its natural processes, which is why they have adopted organic farming methods.
This approach not only ensures the health of their vineyards but also enhances the quality and authenticity of their wines.
The winery’s vineyards span approximately 54.8 hectares and are situated at altitudes ranging from 830 to 930 meters. This high altitude, combined with the diverse soil types – ranging from limestone to gravel – creates a unique environment for viticulture. The primary grape variety grown is Tempranillo, but the vineyards also include Albillo Mayor, Merlot, and Garnacha.
The winemaking process at Bodegas Felix Callejo is a blend of tradition and innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected to ensure only the best fruit is used. Fermentation is carried out using natural yeasts, and the wines are aged in French and American oak barrels. This meticulous process results in wines that are rich, complex, and reflective of their terroir.
Bodegas Felix Callejo produces a range of wines that cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of their standout offerings include:
Felix Callejo: A flagship wine that embodies the depth and complexity of Ribera del Duero. It is known for its intense flavours and elegant structure.
Gran Callejo: A premium wine that showcases the best of the winery’s vineyards. It is aged for an extended period, resulting in a wine with remarkable depth and sophistication.
José Félix Callejo, the head winemaker, has been with the winery since 2000. His sister, Noelia, joined him in 2009, bringing her expertise from working in prestigious wineries around the world. Together, they have elevated Bodegas Felix Callejo to new heights, earning accolades such as Winemakers of the Year 2021 by Tim Atkin MW.
Bodegas Felix Callejo Parajes de Callejo 2021 (£29.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
This wine is a field blend, primarily composed of 85 per cent Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), 10 per cent Garnacha, and 5 per cent Albillo Mayor. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a meticulous selection process to ensure only the best fruit is used. The manual picking in small boxes and the use of natural yeasts during fermentation highlight the winery’s dedication to traditional and sustainable practices.
The Parajes de Callejo 2021 is co-fermented in concrete tanks, which helps preserve the purity and expression of the fruit. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in a combination of concrete, large oak barrels (fudres), and 500-liter oak barrels (fûts). This aging process allows the wine to develop its rich, complex flavours while maintaining a balanced structure.
On the nose, it offers an enticing mix of ripe red fruits, complemented by subtle notes of aged wood, tobacco, and sweet spices. The palate is rich and intense, with flavours of ripe fruit, spices, and a hint of minerality. The tannins are round and well-integrated, providing a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Recommended food pairings include:
Roasted Leg of Lamb: The robust flavours of the wine pair beautifully with atraditional roasted leg of lamb. The wine’’s rich tannins and spicy notes complement the savoury and slightly gamey taste of the lamb.
Herb-Roasted Chicken: For a lighter option, herb-roasted chicken with rosemary and thyme is an excellent match. The wine’s fruitiness and balanced acidity enhance the flavours of the herbs and tender chicken.
Grilled Salmon: If you’re serving fish, grilled salmon with a lemon butter sauce is a delightful pairing. The wine’s minerality and fresh fruit notes harmonize with the rich, buttery flavours of the salmon.
Spring Vegetable Medley: A medley of spring vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, and carrots, roasted with olive oil and garlic, pairs well with the wine’s vibrant acidity and fruit-forward profile.
Bodegas Felix Callejo El Lebrero Blanco 2021 (£34.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
The grapes for El Lebrero Blanco 2021 are sourced from two specific vineyards: El Lebrero and La Virgen. These vineyards are situated at altitudes of 880 to 920 meters above sea level, benefiting from a mix of sandy, clay, and limestone soils.
This diverse terroir contributes to the wine’s complexity and minerality.
El Lebrero Blanco 2021 is made exclusively from Albillo Mayor, an indigenous grape variety of the Ribera del Duero region. The grapes are hand-harvested in small 12kg boxes to ensure they arrive at the winery in perfect condition. This careful handling preserves the delicate aromas and flavours of the Albillo Mayor.
On the nose, it offers an elegant aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and subtle hints of herbs and minerals. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with flavours of green apple, pear, and a touch of lemon zest. The wine has a well-balanced acidity and a long, mineral finish.
Easter Food Pairings include:
Spring Vegetable Quiche: The fresh and vibrant flavours of this white pair beautifully with a spring vegetable quiche. The wine’s acidity and minerality complement the richness of the quiche, making it a perfect match for an Easter brunch.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter: The wine’s citrus notes and crisp acidity enhance the flavours of grilled asparagus with lemon butter. This pairing highlights the wine’s freshness and the asparagus’ natural sweetness.
Roast Chicken with Herbs: For a more substantial dish, roast chicken with herbs such as rosemary and thyme pairs wonderfully with this Blanco. The wine’s fruitiness and balanced acidity complement the savoury flavours of the chicken.
Seafood Salad: A light and refreshing seafood salad with shrimp, scallops, and a citrus vinaigrette is an excellent pairing. The wine’s minerality and citrus notes harmonise with the fresh flavours of the seafood.
For all your spring wine requirements, please ensure you visit Penny and her amazing team at Cellar Door Wines on London Road.
