Ribera del Duero DO Carravilla 2022 Dominio de Es

What type of wine it is

Carravilla by Dominio de Es is a red wine from Ribera del Duero, mainly made from Tinto Fino with a small addition of Albillo from high-altitude vineyards. The style shows structure and integrated freshness, with fine tannins that support solid aging over time. Spontaneous fermentation in wooden vats with a portion of whole bunches and aging in minimally invasive barriques keeps the fruit and the character of the terroir at the center of the flavor profile.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from the Atauta area, in the eastern part of Ribera del Duero, at high altitude. Significant temperature variations between day and night preserve acidity and aromas. Calcareous and clay soils retain water and offer consistent tannic texture and a lively taste tension that results in concentrated but not heavy reds, with a dry and clean finish.

How it is produced

Harvesting is manual, with careful grape selection to ensure integrity and ripeness. In the winery, gentle pressing and spontaneous alcoholic fermentation in wooden vats with a portion of whole bunches increase complexity and tannin definition. Gentle maceration preserves fruit purity, while malolactic fermentation and medium to long aging in barriques support the wine without masking the varietal character.

Tasting notes

In the glass, Carravilla displays an intense and deep red color with good consistency. On the nose, aromas of ripe red fruit, cherry and plum emerge, accompanied by fine spices and light herbal notes that recall the altitude of the vineyards. On the palate it is structured, with elegant tannins, balanced acidity, and a savory mid-palate. The finish is dry, persistent, and coherent, with lingering fruity and spicy notes.

Food pairings

Carravilla pairs well with roasted or braised red meats, where structure and tannin enhance the succulence of the dishes. It is also suitable for stewed game and aged hard cheeses, thanks to the persistence and freshness that cleanse the palate. Locally, it accompanies typical dishes from Castile and León such as roast suckling lamb, and it is also ideal for Italian preparations like beef braised in wine or grilled ribeye steak.

When to serve

Ideal for meat-based dinners or rich but not overly spicy dishes, Carravilla shows its best when served at 16–18 °C. A brief decanting helps open up the aromatics and soften the tannic texture, particularly in its early years. Thanks to its balance of extract, acidity, and barrique aging, it can evolve positively in the cellar for several years, with an optimal drinking window between 3 and 10 years after release.