Bodegas Antídoto
The wines of Bodegas Antídoto from the rugged province of Soria offer a stylistic contrast to the classic, often opulent Ribera del Duero wines. This region, an almost forgotten gem, stood in the shadow of big names for decades – but today it is experiencing an impressive renaissance with wines full of finesse and character.
Behind Antídoto are two personalities whose paths crossed in the small town of San Esteban de Gormaz: Bertrand Sourdais, a winemaker from the Loire region, discovered the potential of the ancient vines in the province of Soria in 1999. The wild landscape, barren soils, cool nights – and above all the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grape variety – immediately fascinated him. Together with David Hernando, a native of Soria, agricultural engineer, oenologist and deeply rooted in the region, he founded Bodegas Antídoto in 2011. David brings not only expertise but also a strong local network – as a passionate winemaker, he and Bertrand form the backbone of the business.
Red wines from Bodegas Antídoto
from Bodegas Antídoto
The Antídoto vineyards are not a contiguous estate, but rather a mosaic of over 770 small plots in 15 villages around San Esteban de Gormaz – a total of around 110 hectares. Many of the vineyards are located at altitudes of up to 1,000 metres, giving the wines freshness and elegance. Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), Albillo Mayor and some Garnacha grow here – on sandy-calcareous soils, characterised by an extreme continental climate with hot days and cool nights. What is special about Antídoto is not only the diversity of the terroirs, but also the respectful treatment of the region's cultural heritage. Many of the vines are over 100 years old, ungrafted and, in some cases, «survivors of the phylloxera crisis». Over 50 local winegrowers work hand in hand with Antídoto – mostly as a sideline – forming a genuine community in which experience, trust and tradition remain alive.
The style – freshness instead of opulence: the wines are clear, lively and elegant – characterised by freshness, fine structure and precise fruit. The wine of the same name, Antídoto, impresses with red fruits, subtle spice notes and a drinkable balance. The more powerful La Hormiga, made from ancient vines, shows more depth, fullness and silky tannins.
Bodegas Antídoto is more than a winery – it is a project that connects wine, landscape and people. Bertrand Sourdais and David Hernando have not only created great wines, but have also breathed new life into a region. Here, wines with origin and soul are created.
Producer
Bonvin
High above Sion, on the Clos du Château, is the heart of the oldest wine trading house in Valais – today's winery Charles Bonvin SA. The view sweeps over the wide Rhone valley, meets the two castle hills of Tourbillon and Valère and grazes on the magnificent Valais vine landscape with its countless terraces.
Viñedos Lacalle y Laorden
In 2015 the two families of Zapiain and Lopez de Lacalle launched the Izar-Leku Mahastiak project (today Grupo Artadi) in Zarautz/Basque Country, with the aim of producing a table wine as well as a sparkling wine with Txakoli as the base wine. Today this sparkling wine is part of the "Viñedos Lacalle y Laorden" company - just like the premium single-vineyard wine "Viña El Pisón", though this wine comes from the Álava/Rioja region.
Karthäuserhof
The Karthäuserhof - The cradle of world-famous Rieslings, ever since 1335.
The Karthäuserhof is a magical spot. Not just because of its idyllic location but also because it is the eighth oldest winegrowing estate in the world and for centuries the cradle of world-famous Rieslings. It was founded in 1335 by Carthusian monks who received the estate as a gift from Prince-Elector Balduin of Luxembourg and operated it as a winery until secularisation. Since 1811 the Karthäuserhof has been owned by the same family, now in the seventh generation.