We propose a walk from Pesquera de Duero to Curiel de Duero, a town located in the Cuco Valley, between Pesquera and Peñafiel, a very special area for wine lovers.
In the heart of the Ribera del Duero, is the municipality of Pesquera de Duero, a place where the wine tradition blends harmoniously with the natural beauty of the region. This picturesque journey takes us from Pesquera de Duero to Curiel de Duero, exploring the links between the land, history and the exquisite wine that this region offers.
We can start from Bodegas Federico, at the exit of Pesquera, a walk of about eight kilometers between hills dotted with vineyards. The road that connects both towns immerses us in nature, offering impressive views of the landscape that changes with the seasons. We can do this tour on foot or by bicycle along the dirt road that accompanies the Riaza Canal, between vineyards, farmland and small hills.
As we continue, we reach vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. The vines, meticulously aligned, greet the sun that caresses their leaves. The farmers, with decades of experience, work the land with expert care, knowing that each grape is a jewel that will contribute to the creation of an exceptional wine. The connection between the land and the farmer is palpable, a bond that has stood the test of time and that defines the authenticity of the wines of this region, such as those made by Bodegas Federico.
Upon arriving in Curiel de Duero, we are greeted by cobblestone alleys and the traditional architecture of the area. This town, although smaller than Pesquera, has its own personality and a beautiful castle converted into a hotel.
The Castle-Fortress of Doña Berenguela is located at the top of a hill, it is the highest point in the province of Valladolid and also the oldest castle in the entire province. Its roots are believed to date back to Roman times. With a square plan with four towers, battlements and loopholes, this 9th century castle still preserves vestiges of a significant walled enclosure.
From its walls you can enjoy impressive views of the town of Curiel de Duero, which with its crescent shape adapts to the hill, and a beautiful panoramic view of the valley, highlighting the town of Peñafiel with its imposing castle. Legend has it that there was a giant who, to drink the water of the Duero, placed one foot in the castle of Curiel and another in that of Peñafiel.
Descending to the town from the castle, the square houses the fortified Palace of the Zúñiga, also known as the Palace of Justice, built in the 15th century and of which only the wall and the keep remain.
In the same square and in front of the Palace, is the Church of Santa María, in the Gothic-Mudejar style, an architectural treasure with a beautiful porticoed façade. Inside it has an impressive Mudejar coffered ceiling and a beautiful main altarpiece from the 16th century.
Curiel also has two notable architectural elements in the municipality: the 16th century Jurisdictional Roll at the entrance to the town and the Magdalena Gate, the only vestige of the 12th century wall.
To complete the cultural visit to Curiel de Duero we have to visit the two museums; the Ethnographic Museum, next to the Church of San Martín, which displays agricultural tools and utensils for making cheese and wine, and the Museum of the School of Yesterday, which recreates a school from the early 20th century with desks, books and maps, offering a unique experience.
The towns that dot the Ribera del Duero are full of history, vestiges of past times and a present rich in wine and gastronomic culture, which continues to expand its history. Pesquera de Duero and Curiel de Duero are not only wine destinations, but living testimonies of a tradition that has stood the test of time, creating wines that are true jewels of the Ribera del Duero such as the Federico Reds, from the Roble to the Gran Reserva .
