Superb terroir wines have been made at Dominio de Valdepusa, an emblematic family estate and bodega owned by Carlos Falcó, Marques de Griñón, since the 1970s, when Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were planted here. Ever since then the bodegas search for excellence has been marked by its independent spirit, taking on board pioneering international viticulture and bodega techniques outside DO controls. However, in 2003 it became Spains first single-estate (pago) wine to earn national DO status. It also holds regional Vino de Pago status under Castille La Manchas legislation, the first of its kind in Spain. Under these regional laws, the vines must be grown on the property and made in a bodega sited within it, and they must also have a proven track-record for excellence.