The gnarled stems and deep roots of Bodega Numanthia’s ‘heritage vines’ help to battle the harsh climate of the Toro region in Spain.

Termanthia: History in a Bottle

To properly appreciate the wines produced by Bodega Numanthia, you must understand the history of the Toro region. Winemaking in the area dates back thousands of years; it’s believed that ancient Greeks came to the Toro region of Spain and taught the Celtic-Iberian settlers the nuances of winemaking. The settlers planted grapes throughout the region, including an ancient town named Numantia, which would become famous for defiance to Roman rule.

This epic tale of resistance begins in 153 BC, when the town was attacked by Roman forces in retaliation for a former Numantian victory against Rome. At one point, Roman war elephants were deployed against the small town, but even these heavy attacks proved unsuccessful. For the next 20 years, the Romans attempted to tame the feisty Numantian army. In 137 BC, the Numantian army (numbering only 4,000-8,000 people) forced the surrender of 20,000 Roman soldiers. Rome’s patience with the small city began to disappear.

By the orders of Roman consul Scipio Aemilianus, the final siege and eventual destruction of Numantia began in 134 BC. An army of 30,000 Roman soldiers constructed fortifications around the city in preparation for a long siege. Famine began to spread after eight months, but the citizens of Numantia refused to submit to Roman rule. In an act of legendary sacrifice, the Numantians burned their own treasures, their city, and finally – themselves.

The Numantian resistance was not in vain – the act is now a source of pride for Spaniards, akin to the Alamo for Americans. Legendary playwright Miguel de Cervantes solidified this story in Spanish lore with his popular tragedy, “El cerco de Numancia.” This colorful history is now bottled and packaged by Bodega Numanthia. Their flagship wine, Termanthia, is made in living tribute to the famed warriors of ancient Numantia.

The fruit used in Termanthia is chosen carefully. Each grape, every drop of wine in the bottle, is purposeful.