Pago Calzadilla

The estate that became Pago Calzadilla was acquired in 1979 by Francisco Uribes and Celia Madero, who formally established the winery in 1980. The name references the historical Calzadilla area, known since Roman times for its deposits of lapis specularis, a translucent form of gypsum. After decades of building the estate's reputation, Spanish authorities awarded it Vino de Pago designation in 2011, recognising its distinct terroir and long track record of quality wine production.

• Estate acquired 1979, winery formally established 1980 by Francisco Uribes and Celia Madero
• Vino de Pago status granted in 2011
• Name derives from the Roman-era Calzadilla area, historically notable for lapis specularis
• Associated producer is Bodegas Uribes Madero

Pago Calzadilla sits within Cuenca province in Castilla-La Mancha, nestled within the broader Uclés DOP. The estate overlooks the Río Mayor river valley at elevations between 845 and 1,005 meters. Soils are chalky limestone throughout, providing excellent drainage and a mineral backbone to the wines. The estate operates on virgin soil with no history of prior chemical contamination, and farming follows organic and sustainable viticulture practices across the full 26-hectare property.

• Chalky limestone soils across the entire estate
• Elevation from 845 to 1,005 meters above sea level
• Virgin soils free from prior chemical contamination
• Organic farming and sustainable viticulture throughout

The climate at Pago Calzadilla is strongly continental, with extreme temperature swings between seasons and even within a single day. Summers are hot, reaching up to 38°C, while winters are cold, dropping as low as -14°C. Annual rainfall is a modest 300 mm, keeping yields naturally low, while the estate benefits from over 3,600 hours of sunshine each year. This combination of heat, cold stress, low rainfall, and intense sunlight pushes the vines to produce concentrated, structured fruit.

• Continental climate with summer highs up to 38°C and winter lows to -14°C
• Annual rainfall just 300 mm
• Over 3,600 hours of sunshine per year
• Extreme diurnal and seasonal temperature variation

The estate grows four varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These produce long-aging, elegant red wines that reflect the distinctive terroir of the site. The combination of chalky limestone soils, high elevation, and extreme continental climate results in wines with structure, freshness, and a clear sense of place. Annual production across the 22-hectare vineyard reaches approximately 100,000 kilos of grapes.

• Varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style focused on long-aging, terroir-driven reds
• 22 hectares of vineyard producing roughly 100,000 kilos annually
• High elevation and chalky soils contribute structure and freshness