A Century of Spanish Excellence: Bodegas Protos Brings Ribera del Duero to Miami

Interview with Sheila Escudero at the James Suckling Great Wines World Event

At the recent James Suckling Great Wines World Miami 2026, wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and collectors gathered to explore some of the finest wines from around the world. Among the many prestigious wineries represented, one booth stood out for its rich history and timeless Spanish tradition: Bodegas Protos.

Representing the winery was Sheila Escudero, International Marketing Manager for the historic Spanish producer. During the event, I had the opportunity to speak with her about Protos’ heritage, the wines they were presenting, and why the Ribera del Duero region continues to produce some of the most respected wines in the world.

And the story begins nearly a century ago.

A Winery That Helped Define Ribera del Duero

Founded in 1927, Bodegas Protos was not just another winery entering the Spanish wine market. It was one of the founding wineries of the Ribera del Duero Denomination of Origin, a region now considered one of Spain’s most prestigious wine-producing areas.

The name “Protos” itself comes from the Greek word meaning “first.” Fittingly, the winery was one of the pioneers of the region and continues to represent the philosophy reflected in its motto:

“Ser Primero” — To Be First.

With vineyards rooted in history and tradition, Protos has built a reputation for producing wines that balance structure, elegance, and longevity, particularly through its focus on Spain’s iconic grape variety: Tempranillo.

The Wines Presented in Miami

During the tasting at the event, Escudero introduced two standout wines from the Protos portfolio, both crafted with 100% Tempranillo grapes grown in the Ribera del Duero region.

Protos Crianza (Three-Year Aging)

The first wine presented was Protos Crianza, often referred to as the winery’s “three-year wine.”

The name reflects its aging process:

  • 1 year in oak barrels

  • 2 additional years aging in bottle

This aging process gives the wine balance between fruit character and oak complexity, creating a classic Ribera del Duero profile that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, Spanish cuisine, and hearty dishes.

The result is a wine that feels refined but approachable — ideal for both experienced collectors and those discovering Spanish wines for the first time.

Protos Gran Reserva

The second wine poured at the event was the Protos Gran Reserva, one of the winery’s most prestigious offerings.

This wine is crafted from very old vineyards, some reaching 70 years of age, which contributes to the wine’s depth and concentration.

Its aging process includes:

  • Two years in oak barrels

  • Extended bottle aging before release

The result is a wine with remarkable structure, complexity, and aging potential, offering layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy character that define great Ribera del Duero wines.

Why Tempranillo Defines the Region

A key point Escudero emphasized during our conversation was that all Protos wines from Ribera del Duero are made with 100% Tempranillo.

Tempranillo thrives in the region’s climate and soils, producing wines known for:

  • Rich color

  • Balanced acidity

  • Structured tannins

  • Excellent aging potential

It is this grape that gives Ribera del Duero wines their unmistakable personality and allows producers like Protos to maintain a consistent style across generations.

A Legacy Approaching 100 Years

Perhaps the most remarkable part of the Protos story is that the winery will soon celebrate a major milestone.

Next year marks the winery’s 100th anniversary.

Few wineries can claim such a long-standing role in shaping an entire wine region. For Protos, the upcoming centennial is not just a celebration of longevity — it is a celebration of leadership within Spanish winemaking.

And judging by the reception of their wines at the Miami event, the next century looks just as promising.

A Taste of Spain in Miami

Events like the James Suckling tasting allow wine lovers to experience the world without leaving Miami. Meeting representatives like Sheila Escudero reminds us that behind every great bottle is a story — a vineyard, a region, and generations of dedication.

For those exploring Spanish wines, Bodegas Protos offers a perfect introduction to the elegance and depth of Ribera del Duero.

Sometimes the best way to understand a region is simply to taste it.

And in this case, that taste begins with Tempranillo and nearly a century of tradition.

“Wine is sunlight held together by water.”
— Galileo Galilei

Bodegas Protos represents nearly a century of winemaking excellence in Ribera del Duero. Through wines like the Crianza and Gran Reserva, the winery continues to showcase the power and elegance of Tempranillo while honoring the traditions that made the region famous.

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