A Pie De Tierra

In 2013, Aitor Paul and David Villamiel met while studying Viticulture and Oenology in Madrid. After completing their degrees, they teamed up and chose a path that would take them far from the conventional: to revive forgotten, wild vineyards in the rugged, mountainous Gredos region of central Spain.

Their project extends beyond skilful winemaking—it’s a commitment to the land and to their sustainable approach that respects the natural rhythms of the vineyard. Working exclusively with old Garnacha bush vines, some more than 90 years old, Aitor and David grow their grapes on granitic and sandy soils, which impart that distinct mineral character to the wines. The results are a set of wines that are at once powerful and delicate—an expression of the land’s unique character.

Their philosophy is simple: work in partnership with the land and let the fruit speak for itself. In the vineyard, they are hands-on, nurturing the vines with care; in the winery, they take a step back, allowing the natural processes to run their course with wild yeasts and gentle extraction. This approach creates wines that are not overworked or forced, but instead reflect the authenticity of their origins.

A Pie de Tierra may be a project still in its early stages, just a couple of years into its journey, but the pair’s passion is already crystal clear. With inspiration from the Comando G project, where David trained, the future looks bright for these young vignerons—and we’re excited to see where it goes.