Rippa Dorii is part of the Ontañón Family’s project in Ribera del Duero and Rueda, named after the 13th-century Santa Maria de Ripa Dorii chapel. Their Ribera vineyards, at over 900m, experience extreme climates, producing bold Tempranillo wines. In Rueda, grapes are sourced from organically certified vineyards with old, low-yielding Verdejo vines. These wines reflect the essence of Castile, shaped by the banks of the Duero.

Rippa Dorii’s Tinta del País (Tempranillo) is sourced from selected plots near Fuentecén at 900m altitude. The vines, over 25 years old, grow in a mix of stone, clay, and white limestone soils. Grapes from the highest, coolest areas are chosen for their slow, even ripening. A three-day pre-fermentation maceration at 10ºC is followed by an 18-day fermentation at 22-26ºC, with daily pumping over and down. Malolactic fermentation occurs partly in tanks and partly in barrels. The wine matures for 12 months in oak—70% French and 30% American—using a mix of new and seasoned barrels.

This represents a step up from the Roble, and stylistically has more power and oak. However, there is great freshness here too and the oak is polished and well integrated.

On the nose, rich aromas of bramble fruit, vanilla, nutmeg, and sweet spice lead to a complex palate of blueberry and blackberry, balanced by ripe tannins and a long and complex finish.

Perfect with lamb chops, chorizo dishes, and hearty vegetable casseroles.