Felipe el Caminero
Inma Badillo, Arribes, Red Wine

Nestled near the Portuguese border in the historic region of Arribes, Salamanca, Felipe el Caminero emerges from vineyards steeped in history, with some vines dating back to 1924. The soil of granitic decomposition lends a distinctive mineral quality to the wine, enhancing its complexity and depth.

Inma Badillo, not originally a winemaker by birth but driven by passion, embarked on her winemaking journey after a significant career shift from a marketing manager at a technological firm to opening a wine bar in Madrid in 2011. The closure of her wine bar in 2020 due to the pandemic marked a pivotal moment, focusing her energies entirely on viticulture.

Felipe el Caminero is a testament to the region’s traditional viticultural practices, where vineyards known as “viñedos bastardos” feature mixed plantings of red and white varieties as a safeguard against frost. This wine blends 50% Tempranillo, harvested for its robust 16% potential alcohol content, with an equal part of other local varieties like Bruñal, Juan Garcia, and Garnacha Tintorera, which mature to 13% alcohol. Harvested simultaneously, these varieties achieve a balance at 14.5% alcohol through co-fermentation in stainless steel tanks, without the addition of sulfur, to preserve the vibrant acidity and purity of fruit.

Produced in a limited run of just 3,500 bottles, Felipe el Caminero offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Arribes. It showcases lush notes of deep red fruits balanced by a refreshing acidity and a mineral undertone. This wine is not only a reflection of Inma’s dedication and respect for her land but also an invitation to experience the vivid landscape of Arribes through each bottle.