Rufete: The Rebel Grape That Survived Where Others Couldn't

🍇 Rufete: A Hidden Gem in the Sierra de Francia

Rufete is a native grape variety that has withstood the passage of time on the terraced slopes of the Sierra de Francia. Elegant, aromatic and full of character, it is today one of the most interesting grapes in Castilla y León.

A little-known wine treasure that — like the mountain villages themselves — survives, resists and wins you over.

🌿 What Makes Rufete Unique?

• It adapts to poor, slate soils like no other variety
• It produces fresh, light and aromatic wines
• Its name comes from "rufus", Latin for "reddish"

🍾 The Variety That Defines the Sierra de Salamanca

Rufete is the principal grape of the Sierra de Salamanca Denominación de Origen (recognised since 2010).

Where it's grown:

• Sierra de Francia
• Altitudes between 400 and 900 m
• Slate and granite soils

In the glass:

• Aromas of red berries and wildflowers
• Soft, natural tannins
• Moderate alcohol
• A fresh, elegant style

Ampelographic studies link it to Rufeta, a closely related variety found near the Portuguese border.

📜 Documented History

Winegrowing has been recorded in the area since medieval times. Although it lost ground during the 20th century, Rufete has returned as a symbol of cultural identity for the Sierra de Salamanca.

An example of heritage that evolves without losing its roots.

🏺 Rufete and La Bodega Medieval

In San Martín del Castañar, Rufete is aged under real historic conditions:

• An underground cellar dating from the early 16th century
• Constant temperature all year round
• Slow, quiet ageing

Here, the wine is never rushed: its origin and its history are respected.

📌 Book Your Tasting Experience 📌 Discover Our Experiences

🍷 What If You Tried It Where It Was Born?

Visiting La Bodega Medieval means discovering Rufete in its home, in the very surroundings that made it unique.