Bodegas Campillo

Bodegas Campillo is one of the most recognizable names from Rioja Alavesa, where wine, architecture, and family tradition notably converge. The estate combines the classic foundations of Rioja with its own modern flair, while also demonstrating the importance of location, altitude, and Tempranillo for the domain's style.

What is Bodegas Campillo?

Bodegas Campillo is a winery in Laguardia, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. It is not an anonymous large brand, but an estate with a very distinct identity, where the vineyard, the bodega, and the overall image of the domain have been consciously built as a single entity.

What makes Campillo special is that the estate was established from the beginning as a true château bodega nestled among the vines. Consequently, it's not just about the wine itself, but also about the idea that place, family, and image together define the character of the estate.

Name, origin, and vision

The name Campillo refers to Viña Campillo, one of the first possessions of the first generation of the Martínez Zabala family. This places the origin of the winery directly with the land itself, which suits an estate that strongly derives its identity from its vineyards.

The big step towards the current domain came in 1988, when Julio Faustino Martínez, together with his children, began his dream of building a true wine bodega open to the outside world. In 1990, Bodegas Campillo was officially opened, as the first bodega in Rioja with such a pronounced architectural design.

• Family background: Campillo belongs to the Martínez Zabala family and builds on a long winemaking tradition.
• Name: The name comes from Viña Campillo, a historic family possession.
• Dream of the house: Julio Faustino Martínez wanted to build a bodega where wine and architecture converge.
• Signature: Campillo therefore feels not only like a winery, but also as a clear expression of vision and place.

Regions and appellations

Campillo is located in Laguardia, at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria, within Rioja Alavesa. This is one of the most highly valued parts of DOCa Rioja and also the natural foundation of the winery.

• Main area: Rioja Alavesa forms the heart of Bodegas Campillo.
• Location: The vineyards are situated on the southern slopes of the Sierra Cantabria, at an altitude of approximately 650 to 720 meters.
• Climate: The climate is continental with Atlantic influence, characterized by relatively cool conditions, more wind, and a clear difference between day and night.
• Soil: Clay-limestone and clay-iron soils give the wines structure, freshness, and good aging potential.
• Special detail: Campillo itself refers to its location in the "Golden Mile" of DOCa Rioja, an area known for strong vineyards and a favorable microclimate.

Precisely this combination of altitude, cool nights, and classic Rioja Alavesa soils makes Campillo's style interesting. The wines thereby gain not only ripe fruit but also tension and aging potential.

Grapes and wine styles

At Bodegas Campillo, the focus is primarily on Rioja red. The estate is clearly rooted in the classic red side of Rioja Alavesa, with Tempranillo as the main grape and a style that combines power and freshness.

• Red wines: Tempranillo is the main player, complemented by grapes like Graciano, Tempranillo Peludo, Garnacha, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Red style: The red wines combine ripe fruit and structure with fresh acidity and a style that suits Crianza, Reserva, and longer aging well.
• White grapes within the estate: Campillo also works with Viura and Chardonnay, but the estate's best-known signature clearly remains red.
• Signature: Campillo shows how Rioja Alavesa can be simultaneously classic, refined, and modern.

When do you choose Bodegas Campillo?

Bodegas Campillo is a good choice if you are looking for Rioja with clear provenance and more personality than an average bottle from a large, anonymous assortment. This is an estate for lovers of structure, elegance, and a wine story that is truly tied to its place.

• For lovers of Rioja: Campillo is a strong choice if you enjoy Tempranillo and the classic red side of Rioja Alavesa.
• For those seeking balance: The combination of ripe fruit, freshness, and structure makes the estate interesting if you want power without heaviness.
• For those who value the estate's story: The connection to the Martínez Zabala family, the location in Laguardia, and the striking architecture give Campillo extra character.
• For dinners and special occasions: The estate's style is well-suited for elaborate meals and bottles that should make a bit more of an impression.