Pago Chozas Carrascal
Key Spanish Terms
Spain's singular estate Vino de Pago, where 12 organic varieties thrive at altitude in the Utiel-Requena highlands of Valencia.
Pago Chozas Carrascal is a 40-hectare certified organic estate and Vino de Pago in Spain's Utiel-Requena region. Awarded Spain's highest wine classification in 2012, it grows 12 grape varieties at 750-840 metres elevation. The flagship Las Ocho is an eight-variety blend aged 14 months in French oak.
- Vino de Pago status awarded in 2012, the second in Utiel-Requena after Pago de Los Balagueses
- 40 hectares of certified organic vines planted at high density, 3,300 plants per hectare
- Elevation ranges from 750 to 840 metres with diurnal temperature swings of 15-18°C
- 12 grape varieties cultivated, each parcel under 3 hectares
- Estate includes 100-year-old Bobal vines
- Located within the Hoces de Cabriel protected nature reserve, approximately 70 km west of Valencia
- Pioneer in introducing Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc to the Utiel-Requena region
History and Origins
Julián López and María José Peidro purchased the land in 1990 as raw, uncultivated terrain. During renovations, evidence of 19th-century wine production was discovered on the site. Vineyards were planted in 1992, and the first commercial vintage reached the market in 2003. In 2012, the estate received Vino de Pago status, securing its place at the top of Spain's wine classification hierarchy and becoming only the second such designation within the Utiel-Requena region.
- Land purchased as raw terrain in 1990 by Julián López and María José Peidro
- Vineyards established in 1992; first commercial release in 2003
- Vino de Pago designation granted in 2012
- Second Vino de Pago in Utiel-Requena, after Pago de Los Balagueses
Location and Terroir
The estate sits at San Antonio de Requena, roughly 70 kilometres west of Valencia, within the Hoces de Cabriel protected nature reserve. Vineyards are planted between 750 and 840 metres above sea level on limestone-based subsoil with clay and mineral-rich composition, a pH of 7.5-8.2, and excellent drainage. The climate is continental with Mediterranean influences: hot summers, cold winters, more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, and diurnal temperature variations of 15-18°C. Rainfall is low and concentrated in September, intensifying berry concentration.
- Limestone subsoil with clay, pH 7.5-8.2, excellent natural drainage
- Continental-Mediterranean climate with over 3,000 sunshine hours annually
- Diurnal variation of 15-18°C preserves acidity and aromatic freshness
- Estate sits within the Hoces de Cabriel protected nature reserve
Grapes and Viticulture
Chozas Carrascal cultivates 12 grape varieties across 40 certified organic hectares, each variety planted in parcels of under 3 hectares. Red varieties include Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Monastrell, Cabernet Franc, and Bobal. White varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Macabeo, and Muscat. The estate was a pioneer in bringing Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc to Utiel-Requena. High-density planting at 3,300 vines per hectare encourages competition and concentrated fruit. Harvest takes place at daybreak to retain freshness. The estate includes Bobal vines over 100 years old.
- 12 varieties grown organically; each plot under 3 hectares
- High-density planting at 3,300 plants per hectare
- 100-year-old Bobal vines among the oldest on the estate
- Harvest at daybreak to preserve aromatic freshness and natural acidity
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The flagship wine, Las Ocho, is an eight-variety blend comprising Garnacha 25%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Merlot 15%, Syrah 15%, Tempranillo 7%, Monastrell 7%, Cabernet Franc 3%, and Bobal 3%, aged 14 months in French oak. The portfolio also includes Las Tres, a white blend; Las Dos Ces Tinto, a 100% Bobal red; an organic Cava; a rosé; and a sweet Garnacha. Total production capacity reaches approximately 300,000 litres. The estate produces a full range of styles, from sparkling to sweet, all from organically farmed fruit.
- Las Ocho: eight-variety blend aged 14 months in French oak
- Las Dos Ces Tinto is 100% Bobal, showcasing the region's native variety
- Portfolio spans red, white, rosé, sweet Garnacha, and organic Cava
- Total production capacity approximately 300,000 litres
Red blends from Chozas Carrascal show ripe dark fruit, spice, and earthy complexity from the combination of Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and indigenous Bobal, with structure and freshness imparted by high-altitude growing conditions and significant diurnal temperature variation. French oak aging adds texture and integration without overwhelming the fruit.
- Chozas Carrascal Las Dos Ces Tinto$15-20100% Bobal from the estate's old vines, showcasing Utiel-Requena's signature indigenous variety at its most expressive.Find →
- Chozas Carrascal Las Tres Blanco$15-20White blend from organically farmed high-altitude vines, highlighting the estate's diverse variety plantings.Find →
- Chozas Carrascal Las Ocho$25-35Flagship eight-variety blend aged 14 months in French oak; the definitive expression of the Pago's terroir.Find →
- Vino de Pago is the highest tier in Spanish wine classification, reserved for single estates of exceptional and distinct character; Chozas Carrascal was granted this status in 2012
- The estate is the second Vino de Pago in Utiel-Requena, after Pago de Los Balagueses
- Las Ocho contains eight varieties: Garnacha 25%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Merlot 15%, Syrah 15%, Tempranillo 7%, Monastrell 7%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Bobal 3%; aged 14 months in French oak
- All 40 hectares are certified organic, with 12 varieties planted at 3,300 vines per hectare
- The estate pioneered the introduction of Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc to the Utiel-Requena region