vino de pago
Highest denomination of origin in Spain
What is Vino de Pago?
When related to grapes, and according to Spanish Law 24/2003 of the Vine and Wine, the term “pago” designates the place or rural site with particular soil characteristics and a microclimate that differentiate it and distinguish of others of their surroundings, known with a name traditionally and notoriously linked to the culture of vineyards from which wines with singular characteristics and qualities are obtained.
the Highest denomination
Spain’s “vino de pago” system is an appellation structure that was legally created in 2003 by the Spanish government, in coordination with Spain’s winemaking community, to indicate a higher qualification of excellence than DO or even the top-level DOCa. It is comparable to the French-wide Grand Cru system.
the Highest denomination
Spain’s “vino de pago” system is an appellation structure that was legally created in 2003 by the Spanish government, in coordination with Spain’s winemaking community, to indicate a higher qualification of excellence than DO or even the top-level DOCa. It is comparable to the French-wide Grand Cru system.
Single Estate Vineyards
The vino de pago designation only applies to individual vineyards or wine estates rather than to an entire wine region. Although many Spanish wines include the word pago in their brand names, only 17 high-quality vineyard sites to date have been granted this status by Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture and ratified by the EU.
Requirements to become an officially-certified Vino de Pago
In order to become a legally certified pago, the Ministry of Agriculture mandates several requirements, which include that the pago must be owned by the winery that produces the wines, it must be located in a registered DO and it has to demonstrate unique characteristics that make it worthy of receiving the status, such as a special microclimate that distinguishes it from other surrounding vineyard areas.
In addition, all the grapes that are destined to the vino de pago shall come from vineyards located in that pago and the wine shall be elaborated, to be stored and, in its case, to age of separated form of other wines.
D.O.P. Pago de los Balagueses
For our own classified pago estate Los Balagueses, which was awarded Vino de Pago certification in 2011, among the numerous characteristics cited as factors in the Ministry’s decision the following stand out:
On the one hand, singular and diversified surroundings that include pine forests, almond crops, olive trees, and ground vegetation (thyme, rosemary, and lavender). This diversified flora facilitates pollination, favors soil aeration and helps regulate vine and grape predators without the need for pesticides.
On the other hand, a soil and subsoil consisting of calcareous deposits and marls, an ideal combination that facilitates deeper roots and helps ensure the vine has a continuous water supply, even in the driest years.
In addition, the geography of the vineyard plots, cultivated on terraces formed by floods in the Cabriel river area, with soft slopes and a natural environment favorable to quality organic production. Finally, it must be pointed out that Pago de los Balagueses is the first-certified organic vino de pago in the country.