About this WINE
Dominio do Bibei
Ribeira Sacra is one of the most exciting regions to emerge from Spain in recent years. Situated in the North-Eastern corner in Galicia, the area is remote, the landscape arid and mountainous. Domino do Bibei's winemaker, Javier Domínguez, is producing modern wines with beautiful definition and verve, using traditional grape varieties such as Mencia, Garnacha and Muraton for the reds and Godello, Albariño and Dona Blanca in his whites.
The vineyards are steeply terraced at high altitude, up to 670 metres. There is little top soil with the old vines working hard to survive amongst the rocky terrain of slate/schist. These are thoughtful wines which not only please but also challenge the senses through their extraordinary purity and detail. No stainless steel is used, fermentation and storage is in wood and cement. Grapes are hand harvested and are fed via a gravity system.
Ribeira Sacra
Ribeira Sacra is a stunning wine region located in the northwest of Spain, in the province of Galicia. “Ribeira Sacra” translates to “Sacred Riverbank” in Galician, referencing the region’s breathtaking landscape sculpted by the Sil and Miño rivers.
The region benefits from a unique microclimate influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The combination of Atlantic and continental influences creates cool, humid conditions with ample rainfall, making it an ideal environment for wine cultivation. The vineyards are primarily planted on granite and slate soils, adding distinct mineral elements to the wines.
The wines are typically produced from indigenous grape varieties. Among the prominent red are Mencía and Garnacha Tintorera, which exhibit bright fruit flavours, elegant acidity, and subtle earthy undertones. On the other hand, the whites are often Godello, Albariño, and Treixadura, which are notable for their refreshing acidity, citrus notes, and distinct minerality. These grapes thrive in the region’s diverse terroirs, producing wines with character and depth.
One of the most distinguishing features of Ribeira Sacra is its terraced vineyards. Due to the challenging terrain, many vineyards are planted on steep slopes, requiring labour-intensive work for cultivation and harvesting. The terraces, built centuries ago by local farmers, create a mesmerising landscape and showcase the region’s rich winemaking heritage.
Ribeira Sacra maintains a solid commitment to traditional winemaking methods. Many wineries adhere to organic and sustainable practices, emphasising manual labour in the vineyards and minimal intervention in the cellar. This approach allows the wines to express the authenticity of their origin and terroir.
Other Varieties
There are over 200 different grape varieties used in modern wine making (from a total of over 1000). Most lesser known blends and varieties are traditional to specific parts of the world.
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Description
The fashionable Godello grape varietal takes the lead here, with support from 20% Albarino and 10% Dona Blanca adding complexity. Zesty and yet textured, refreshing yet concentrated, this would be totemic in a thesis which may well be entitled The inexorable rise of Spanish white wines.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
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