Dominio do Bibei Brancellao 2006 - Wine Gossip From Spain

Producer: Dominio do Bibei

Wine Name: B+
Type: Red

Wine Region/ Appellation: Ribeira Sacra

Vintage: 2006

Grape varieties: 100% Brancellao

Alcohol: 12,5%

Guide Price: 73 $

Our Rating: ++++++^ (6+)

About the area:

This wine region, located in inland Galicia, dates back to the Romans who excavated the many terraces that are still present.

It is believed that Ribeira Sacra (“Sacred Shore”) takes its name from the 18 monasteries and hermitages that were founded in the early Middle Age, between the 8th and 12th centuries and which are located in the remote river valleys. The monks from these monasteries replanted the vineyards for their own consumption and maintained the grape-growing and wine-producing tradition until modern times.

Steep vineyards jut into the Sil river, and the terraces are usually very small, making it impossible to mechanise vineyard activities such as pruning and harvesting. Access is often very difficult and at times only possible through the river.

Made up of rocky slabs with little soil, these vineyard sites are primarily planted with Mencia, but another varieties such as Brancellao or Merenzao for reds, and Godello, Treixadura, Dona Blanca and Albariño for whites are also approved as part of the Denomination.

The river’s influence is noticeable on the wine for its cooling effect.

Dominio do Bibei is located in the Quiroga-Bibei sub-area of the Ribeira Sacra D.O. Like all Ribeira Sacra sub-areas, is one of spectacular mountain ranges and chasing rivers, although is drier and harsher than the others sub-areas.

About the wine:

Grapes come from an spectacular vineyard in Pinol (Sober) owned by José María Prieto. Slate and schist soil, west orientation and over 300 m of altitude.

2006 was one of the driest years in the previous three decades. Rainfall in September allowed for ideal maturation of the grapes, that where harvested in optimal health.

Fermented with indigenous yeast in 500 Litre barrels. Aged on the lees 19 months in 500 Litre 3-year-old French oak barrels. Has been bottled unstabilized and unfiltered. Then aged 30 months in bottle.

Tasting

Best left open for at least 30 minutes before drinking.

Medium deep red-colored, with fine and complex aromas. A little closed at first. It then opens with mineral, mature cherries, nutmeg, caramel, violet flowers and a soothing depth.

Fresh in the mouth, tasty, slight, delicate. Good acidity, medium-bodied but firm tannins. Vibrant black cherry and mineral flavours. Tangy, floral and long at the finish, leaving minerals, herbs and red fruit behind. So easy to drink, it makes you want to go for another glass.

Delicious. Superb.