Dominio de Es Carravilla 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Dominio de Es Carravilla originates from the prestigious Ribera del Duero region, specifically from a small 0.27-hectare plot located at an altitude of 935 meters. This vineyard benefits from a distinctive terroir characterized by chalky soils, which impart a notable minerality to the wine. The high elevation ensures a significant diurnal temperature variation, crucial for developing the grapes' aromatic intensity and maintaining their acidity.

Ribera del Duero, situated along the Duero River, is renowned for its rigorous climate, featuring hot summers and cold winters. The unique combination of soils and climate in this region contributes to the complexity and richness of the wines produced here, with the Carravilla being a prime example of these exceptional conditions.

Winemaking

The Dominio de Es Carravilla is composed primarily of 95% Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) and 5% Albillo. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested to preserve their quality and are then 100% destemmed before fermentation. The fermentation process is carried out at controlled temperatures, followed by an extended maceration period to extract maximum flavor and color.

After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for approximately 19 months. This aging process allows the wine to develop additional complexity and integrate the oak's subtle flavors of vanilla and spice without overpowering the inherent characteristics of the fruit. The careful management of the oak aging ensures a balanced and harmonious final product​​.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red, indicating a wine of substantial concentration.
• Aroma: The nose reveals an elegant and aromatic profile with notes of red berries, herbs, and minerals. Subtle hints of spice and earth add complexity to the bouquet.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is fresh and fluid, with a pronounced minerality from the chalky soils. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a smooth texture. Flavors of ripe red fruits, herbal nuances, and a touch of oak lead to a long, balanced finish​​.

Did you know?

Did you know? The Carravilla vineyard, where this exceptional wine is produced, is noted for its unique chalky soils, which are rare in Ribera del Duero. These soils contribute significantly to the wine's distinctive mineral character. The vineyard's altitude and soil composition create a microclimate that is ideal for producing wines of great elegance and complexity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roasted Duck with Cherry Sauce: The wine's acidity and fruit flavors complement the rich, savory profile of the duck, while the cherry sauce enhances the wine's berry notes.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: The wine's minerality and acidity balance the creamy, nutty flavors of this traditional Spanish cheese, creating a delightful contrast.
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms harmonize with the wine's herbal and mineral notes, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• Lamb Stew with Rosemary and Thyme: The robust tannins and complex flavors of the Carravilla pair beautifully with the rich, savory elements of the lamb stew.

History of Dominio de Es Estate

Bertrand Sourdais began his journey in Soria in 1999, where he encountered ancient, pre-phylloxera vineyards. These vines, some of which are over a century old, form the backbone of Dominio de Es. The winery was officially established in 2011 and focuses on producing small yields from 25 plots spread across 3.5 hectares in the village of Atauta. These plots are rented for 15 years, except for the vineyards La Diva and La Mata, which produce highly sought-after single-vineyard wines.

Dominio de Es is deeply committed to biodynamic practices and minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the natural characteristics of the terroir to shine through in their wines. Sourdais also owns Domaine de Pallus in Chinon, France, and runs another project in Ribera del Duero called Bodegas Antídoto, showcasing his dedication to crafting unique and high-quality wines in various regions​​.

Region and Vineyards

Dominio de Es is located in the eastern end of the Ribera del Duero, within the province of Soria. This area is characterized by a continental climate with significant temperature variations between day and night, which is ideal for growing high-quality grapes. The vineyards are planted on calcareous and sandy soils, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the distinct minerality of the wines.

The vineyards are meticulously managed, with a focus on sustainable practices to maintain the health and vitality of the vines. The combination of old vines, unique soils, and careful vineyard management results in grapes with intense flavors and complexity, essential for producing world-class wines.

Wine Range

Dominio de Es produces a range of wines that highlight the exceptional quality of their vineyards. Their flagship wine, Viñas Viejas de Soria, is a blend of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and Albillo, sourced from their oldest vineyards. This wine is known for its depth, elegance, and aging potential.

They also produce highly limited single-vineyard wines, such as La Diva and La Mata, which are renowned for their distinctiveness and quality.

These wines are aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels, which adds complexity and integrates the flavors beautifully. The meticulous winemaking process ensures that each bottle reflects the unique terroir and the dedication of Bertrand Sourdais to his craft.

Did you know?

Dominio de Es utilizes pre-phylloxera vines, some of which are more than 100 years old. These ungrafted vines provide a rare and pure expression of the Soria terroir, producing wines with unparalleled depth and complexity. The winery's commitment to biodynamic practices further enhances the natural qualities of these exceptional vineyards.