Casaquemada Wineries
The History and Philosophy of Casaquemada: Passion for Quality
Bodegas Casaquemada began its journey in 2004, driven by a clear entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to create a distinctive winemaking project. Since its inception, it has established itself as a "small winery in the heart of La Mancha." Far from being a limitation, this size has allowed for an intensive focus on the quality and individual expression of each wine. The winery's fundamental mission is to create wines of "great quality, with their own personality, that attract attention for their uniqueness." This goal is pursued through the combination of "traditional methods and very careful production," a balance that ensures authenticity and excellence in every bottle. The winery's commitment extends to every detail, from the vineyard to the presentation of the final product, reflecting the profound love and dedication of a team of professionals who spare no effort in their pursuit of perfection.
The Terroir and the Vineyard: Cradle of Wines with Character
The 12-hectare vineyard owned by Bodegas Casaquemada is located in the municipality of Argamasilla de Alba, on the banks of the Alto Guadiana River. This privileged location places the winery in a valuable natural and cultural setting, just 3 kilometers from the historic Peñarroya Castle and its reservoir, and at the entrance to the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park. The area's altitude, 700 meters above sea level, along with an average annual rainfall of 450 mm, contributes to a microclimate exceptionally favorable to viticulture. This combination of factors, characterized by the absence of spring frosts, is ideal for producing high-quality grapes, which form the basis of the winery's distinctive wines. The emphasis on these terroir characteristics underscores a dedication to the expression of the place, seeking to ensure that each wine is a true reflection of its unique origin. In terms of cultivated varieties, Casaquemada focuses on grapes that thrive in this La Mancha microclimate. Key varieties include Tempranillo and Syrah, and also Sauvignon Blanc for its whites. Notably, while the winery focuses on its own vineyards in Argamasilla, its catalog includes wines such as "Finca CQ - Bruma del Estrecho de Marín - Casa Quemada," made with Monastrell from the Jumilla Designation of Origin. This inclusion suggests a portfolio diversification strategy or a collaboration that allows Casaquemada to offer a broader range of styles and origins, expanding its reach and appeal. Casaquemada's cultivation practices are geared toward maximum quality and respect for the environment. Fruit growth is closely monitored, limiting production to concentrate quality in each bunch. Furthermore, the winery exclusively uses organic fertilizers and phytosanitary treatments, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and the production of more natural wines. The harvest takes place at night, a practice that ensures the grapes arrive at the winery in optimal condition: fresh, clean, and whole, thus preserving their integrity and aromatic potential from the very beginning.
Our Wines: A Reflection of Our Land
The Casaquemada Winery portfolio faithfully reflects its philosophy of quality and uniqueness, offering a range of wines that express the character of its terroir and its masterful winemaking. Its most representative labels include Hacienda CASAQUEMADA, CASAQUEMADA Garnacha, ALBA de Casaquemada, BRINCHO, and BRINCHO BLANCO. Each wine has its own identity. For example, Brincho Blanco is a Sauvignon Blanc from the 2022 vintage, while Alba is presented as a Syrah from the 2018 vintage. Brincho Tinto is a single-varietal Tempranillo, made with grapes from its own vineyards and harvested at night. In addition to these, the winery demonstrates notable diversification with products such as the red wine "Finca CQ - Bruma del Estrecho de Marín - Casa Quemada", a 100% Monastrell from Jumilla, which has been produced with aging in wood and concrete. This variety in the catalog, which includes wines from different designations of origin, underlines a market strategy that seeks to satisfy diverse palates and explore new wine expressions.
The Art of Winemaking: From Grape to Excellence
The winemaking process at Bodegas Casaquemada is a harmonious fusion of ancestral wisdom and the most advanced technology, designed to extract the maximum expression from each grape and ensure excellence in each wine. The design of the winery itself is a testament to this philosophy, combining the rustic and traditional La Mancha aesthetic with cutting-edge functionality, insulation, and hygiene. The winemaking building, with its double lacquered aluminum walls and epoxy-painted floor, guarantees impeccable cleanliness, while the barrel cellar features the most modern materials and cooling and humidification systems to maintain perfect stability. The meticulous process begins with the reception of the grapes. After the night harvest, the bunches arrive at the winery in their optimal state. There, they pass through a sorting table where any inferior grapes or impurities are discarded, ensuring that only the best fruit continues the process. The grapes are then destemmed and transported to the fermentation tanks using a lifting belt, a gentle technique that minimizes damage to the fruit and preserves its integrity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for extended periods, up to 25 days. These tanks are equipped with rigorous temperature controls, allowing for precise monitoring of the process and the preservation of the grape's aromas and varietal characteristics. After fermentation, the wine begins its aging phase. It remains in French and American oak barrels for a minimum of 6 months, which can be extended to more than 30 months for optimal aging. During this period, the barrels are kept at completely stable temperature (16°C) and humidity (78%), which facilitates controlled development and the integration of the wood's nuances into the wine. Finally, after barrel aging, the wines are bottled and rest in the cellar for a minimum of 6 additional months to achieve perfect harmonization before being released. This fusion of tradition and technology ensures that every bottle of Casaquemada is a testament to quality and character.
