Ribera del Duero DO Viñas Viejas de Soria 2022 Dominio de Es

What kind of wine is it?

Viñas Viejas de Soria by Dominio de Es is a red from Ribera del Duero made primarily from Tempranillo grapes from very old vines. The style combines a fresh profile and elegance with a full structure, ripe fruit, and crisp acidity . Vinification with spontaneous fermentations in wooden vats and a portion of whole bunches, followed by aging in French oak , brings complexity and evolution, with clear fruit definition. The terroir-driven character is ideal for the table and gradual maturation in the bottle.

Where does it come from?

The grapes come from the Atauta area, in the highest and most inland part of the province of Soria, at the eastern end of the Ribera del Duero. Here, the continental climate with wide temperature variations favors slow ripening and natural acidity. The vineyards are located on poor soils with sandy and calcareous components, with the presence of pebbles, often at high altitude . The ancient vines, some pre-phylloxera, contribute to a fine expression with a marked minerality.

How it is produced

Harvest is done by hand, selecting the oldest parcels to preserve the integrity of the bunches. In the cellar, spontaneous fermentation takes place in wooden vats, with a portion of whole bunches added to enhance aromatic complexity and tannic texture. Extended maceration proceeds delicately to achieve color and structure without excess. After malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, the wine ages for 18–20 months in new and used barrels , allowing the wood to integrate and developing distinct fruit.

Tasting notes

It has an intense ruby color with purple highlights, typical of old vines and oak aging. The nose reveals ripe black fruit , plum, blackberry, sweet spices, floral notes, and a mineral note reminiscent of the soil and altitude. On the palate, it is deep and balanced, with a full entry, lively acidity , and a linear progression. The tannins are fine and integrated, and the finish is long and harmonious, with a lingering spicy and ferrous note.

What does it pair with?

It pairs perfectly with bold meat dishes like roast lamb, game stews, or venison, where structure and tannins support the succulence. It also pairs excellently with braised meats , roast pork shoulder, and aged cheeses, thanks to its intensity and freshness. For a typical regional pairing, it pairs perfectly with the lechazo asado from Castile and León, with its tannic texture and spiciness. It also lends itself to venison stews and long-cooked dishes with dark stocks.

When to serve it

It's suitable for structured dinners and occasions that require a balance between power and precision, with a propensity for evolution. The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18°C, with brief aeration in a decanter to unfold the aromas and tannins, especially if the bottle is young. Aging in oak and the quality of the grapes from ancient vineyards allow for progressive improvement over time, with greater integration and spiciness. With proper storage, it is immediately enjoyable and shows a broad drinking horizon in the medium term.