Noelia, La Osa Wines

Noelia de Paz, La Osa Wines
Leon, Castilla y Leon

La Osa is the personal project of Noelia de Paz, one of the key figures in the revival of DO León in northwest Spain. After more than a decade of working alongside her family at Bodegas Tampesta, Noelia founded La Osa in 2015 to shine a light on the native grape varieties of her homeland, particularly Prieto Picudo and Albarín. The name La Osa, meaning “the she-bear,” was a nickname given to her by friends, and today represents a winemaking journey defined by independence, perseverance, and deep regional pride.

Based in the village of Ardón, Noelia works with small-scale, organically farmed vineyards across León, especially around Valdevimbre and Pajares de los Oteros. She partners with growers who share her philosophy: no synthetic treatments, hand-harvesting, and preserving old bush-trained vines that reflect the authenticity of the region. Though she doesn’t own her own vineyards, she manages a mosaic of plots that give her access to a wide range of micro-terroirs, from younger Albarín plantings to ancient Prieto Picudo vines that trail low to the ground to avoid frost.

The vineyards lie on a high plateau (700 to 900 meters) shaped by alluvial clay soils scattered with rounded stones and pebbles. This elevation, coupled with the continental climate and dramatic day-night temperature shifts, produces grapes with great natural acidity, aromatic complexity, and structure. The short, dry growing season means the wines often express remarkable intensity and freshness.

In the cellar, Noelia follows a minimal-intervention approach. She uses native yeasts, low sulfur, and avoids fining and filtration wherever possible. Her white wines maintain the aromatic clarity of Albarín, while her reds express the intensity and nervy tension of Prieto Picudo. Oak, when used, is neutral and subtle.

Noelia’s project is part of a broader reawakening in the region, where forgotten grapes are regaining value thanks to producers like her. Through La Osa, she is not only preserving tradition, but redefining what León can offer. Her wines are honest, energetic, and deeply tied to the land, the kind of work we at Nativo are proud to support.