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.
Rosé wines from Bodegas Antídoto
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
Domaine des Pères de l'Eglise
In 1933, the winegrowers and wine merchants of Châteauneuf-du-Pape were the first to impose quality rules relating to the cultivation and production of wines that would bear the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The geographic definition of the cultivation area, along with the other regulations, is still in force today, in order to guarantee the wine quality for connoisseurs. The Gradassi family of the Domaine des Pères de l’Église is following the tradition, but with the fresh impetus provided by the young fourth generation.
Distillerie Tessendier & Fils
Grape growers, producers of Cognac and innovative spirits
“Time is of the essence for creating high-quality spirits” (Jérôme Tessendier)
The Tessendier & Fils Distillery, established in 1880, is a family-run business based in Cognac and Jarnac, on the banks of the Charente, which produces a diverse portfolio of high-quality Cognacs (see Cognac Park) with a modern twist. The heirs, Jérôme and Lilian Tessendier, have succeeded in modernising the family business in the face of the international dimension of the market: first by creating their own brand of Cognac, then by drawing on their ancestral savoir-faire to refine other types of spirits. This knowledge was forged over time, improved from generation to generation and is now shared by the Tessendier Distillery through three Cognac series (Park, Campagnère, Grand Breuil), each with its own unique character, its own history.
