Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
This red delivers bright flavors of cherry, cranberry and currant, backed by woodsy, floral and vanilla notes and energized by tangerine acidity. Muscular tannins lurk beneath the polished texture, showing that this has stuffing as well as polish. Best from 2020 through 2032.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The eponymous red 2016 Dominio de Atauta, the first vintage of winemaker Jaime Suárez, was truly impressive, bringing to mind the first vintages of the winery that broke the stereotype of concentrated and oaked Ribera del Duero in search of more freshness and showcasing the amazing but then unknown vineyards of the village of Atauta in the cooler part of the appellation in the province of Soria. It's a step up from the Parada de Atauta, with more depth and power, perhaps a little more ripeness too, and a tender and balanced mouthfeel with very integrated acidity. Rating: 92+
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Wine Enthusiast
Inviting plum and berry aromas are supported by oak and dusty earth notes, while this is ripe (15% abv) and generous on the palate, with a healthy blend of grainy tannins and acidity. Oak-aided berry flavors run long on the finish.
Notoriously food-friendly, long-lasting and Spain’s most widely planted grape, Tempranillo is the star variety of red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The Rioja terms Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva indicate both barrel and bottle time before release. Traditionally blended in Rioja with Garnacha, plus a bit of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, the Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero typically stands alone. Somm Secret—Tempranillo claims many different names depending on location. In Penedès, it is called Ull de Llebre and in Valdepeñas, goes by Cencibel. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, Tempranillo plays an important role in Port wine.
Ribera del Duero, Spanish wine region, is located in northen Spain’s Castilla y León region, just a 2-hour drive from Madrid. While winemaking in this area goes back more than 2000 years, it was in the 1980s that 9 wineries applied for and were granted Denominación de Origen (D.O.) status. Today, more than 300 wineries call Ribera del Duero home, including some of Spain’s most iconic names.
Notable Facts Ribera’s main grape variety, Tempranillo, locally know as Tinto Fino, is perfectly suited to the extreme climate of the region, where it must survive scorching summers and frigid winters. Low yields resulting from conscientious tending to old vines planted in Ribera’s diverse soils types, give Ribera wines a distinctive depth and complexity not found in other Tempranillos. Rich and full-bodied, the spice, dark fruit and smoky flavors in a bold Ribera del Duero will pair well with roasted and grilled meats, Mexican food and tomato-based sauces.