Dominio de Es
Dominio de ES is a hidden gem in the Ribera del Duero region. With its small production and uncompromising quality philosophy, the winery stands for ancient vineyards, biodynamic practices and a deep understanding of terroir. The wines are produced in the remote village of Atauta in the far east of the appellation, near Rioja – one of the coolest and most unspoilt parts of the Ribera.
Bertrand Sourdais, a winemaker from Chinon on the Loire, is responsible for this, together with his partner Olga Escudero. During his time in Atauta, originally to set up Bodegas Antidoto, Sourdais discovered the exceptional old plots that now form the heart of his most personal project. Dominio de ES has been working organically and biodynamically since its inception and is currently in the process of certification.
The vineyards cover just four hectares, spread across 35 tiny plots in the municipality of Atauta (province of Soria). At an altitude of 950 to 1,000 metres, they are among the highest in the Ribera del Duero. The terroir is complex and diverse: limestone, chalk, sand, marl and clay alternate. The mostly cool eastern exposures, complemented by individual south-facing slopes, steep slopes and terraces, characterise the character of the wines. The continental highland climate with cold winters, warm days and very cool nights slows down ripening and preserves freshness and acidity. In combination with the altitude, this produces wines with clear fruit, moderate alcohol, fine tannin structure and great precision, significantly more elegant than many of the more powerful representatives of the central Ribera.
Red wines from Dominio de Es
from Dominio de Es
Over 90% of the vines are old to ancient, ungrafted Tempranillo vines (Tinto Fino), many over 130 years old, supplemented by small proportions of Albillo (white) and Alicante Bouschet (red). The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand, with extremely low yields. Depending on the cuvée, the wine is aged in 228-litre French oak barriques, either new or used. Sourdais also uses used barrels from large Burgundy wineries, including Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
Dominio de ES wines are elegant, precise and deeply influenced by the terroir – not loud wines, but quiet, complex and very long-lasting characters.
Producer
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