The owl is far more than a fascinating nocturnal bird. It embodies wisdom, patience, and elegance, and at Finca Las Caraballas, it has become a silent ally of the vineyards. The project, spearheaded by Elías Redondo—a native of La Rioja who acquired a 100-hectare estate in Medina del Campo (Castilla y León) in 2005—was founded with three clear objectives: to develop ecological and respectful agriculture, to enhance the natural environment, and to produce products of the highest quality.
Within this premise, the owl plays a leading role. Here, nesting boxes are installed for these forest guardians, a natural strategy that protects the crops from rodent infestations, promotes health and prosperity in the vineyards, and helps maintain the ecosystem's balance.
Among the fruits of this philosophy is Finca Las Caraballas Chardonnay, a wine that captures the essence of the estate and its surroundings. The estate's vineyards are situated at an altitude of 700–750 meters, amidst the Castilian plain dotted with pine groves, featuring deep sandy-loam limestone soils, scattered with granite pebbles and clay subsoils that impart minerality and structure to the grape. The 15-year-old vines are tended using ecological and sustainable practices, respecting each cluster and every season.
For the vinification, the must is obtained through direct pressing, with gentle settling and without additives. Fermentation takes place in polished concrete tanks, using the grape's own indigenous yeasts, and the finishing touch is provided by working on fine lees, which imparts texture, complexity, and roundness on the palate.
Finca Las Caraballas Chardonnay is a fresh, elegant, and balanced Chardonnay, reflecting the estate's identity, respect for the land... and the wisdom of the owl, the silent guardian that watches over the vineyards and our passion for wine.