Dominio de Es Vinas Viejas de Soria 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Dominio de Es Viñas Viejas de Soria comes from the Ribera del Duero region in Castile and León, Spain. This area is renowned for its ideal viticultural conditions, characterized by a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The pre-phylloxera vines in this region, primarily planted with Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and Albillo, thrive in calcareous and sandy soils that impart a distinctive minerality and great complexity to the wines.

Winemaking

The Dominio de Es Viñas Viejas de Soria is crafted from 91% Tinto Fino, 7% Albillo, and 1% each of Garnacha and Garnacha Tintorera. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo spontaneous fermentation with 25% whole clusters in open oak vats. The maceration period averages 12 days with gentle punch-downs to extract maximum color and tannins while preserving aromatic freshness.

The wine is then aged for 19 months in Burgundy barrels, with a mix of new and second- and third-use barrels. This aging process ensures a perfect balance between the fruit and oak influences, resulting in a complex, structured wine with excellent aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense cherry red with violet highlights.
• Aroma: Aromas of red and black fruits, complemented by spicy notes, floral hints of violets, and subtle mineral and cereal undertones.
• Palate: The palate is structured and velvety, with good acidity and pronounced mineral notes. Fruit flavors persist through a long, satisfying finish, supported by fine, integrated tannins.

Did you know?

Dominio de Es uses pre-phylloxera vines, some of which are over 100 years old. These ungrafted vines offer a pure and unique expression of Soria's terroir, providing depth and complexity rarely found in modern wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast Suckling Lamb: The rich structure and fruit complexity of the wine complement the savory and tender flavors of roast suckling lamb.
• Roast Suckling Pig: The wine's fruity and spicy notes harmonize well with the crispy skin and juicy meat of roast suckling pig.
• Poultry Stews: The complexity and acidity of the wine balance the deep, comforting flavors of poultry stews.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: The velvety texture and fruit flavors of the wine pair beautifully with the nutty and buttery characteristics of aged Manchego cheese.

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.