Dominio do BibeiRibeira Sacra D.OQuiroga-BibeiRibeira SacraJavier Domnguez
MencaGarnachaBrancellaoMouratn Doa BlancaGodelloAlbario Valdeorras
DO Ribeira Sacra
85% Mencia7% Garnacha6% Brancellao2% Mouraton.
13%
(Vinous rating: 92 points)
Produced by extremely good quality winery Dominio do Bibei located in rarely reached outstainding terrior, elegant and subtle, a very partner with Chinese cuisine.
Dominio do Bibei is located in the Quiroga-Bibei sub-zone of the Ribeira Sacra D.O. Like all Ribeira Sacra sub-zones, this area is one of spectacular mountain ranges and flowing rivers, but it is drier and harsher than the other sub-zones. Javier Domnguez is the author of this crazy adventure to recapture a once grand vineyard.
Planted on these terraces are old vines of Menca, Garnacha, Brancellao and Mouratn. New plots are being planted using cuttings from these old vines so as to maintain clonal diversity in the vineyard. In addition to the red varietals, there are plantings of white grape varietals such as Doa Blanca, Godello and Albario (the cuttings of this last grape being from Do Ferreiro). The sites vary greatly based on the orientation of the plots and the soil types. Because this is a transition zone which touches Valdeorras, soils of slate, granite and clay are interspersed among the hillsides.
Tasting Notes: (Vinous rating: 92 points) Brilliant ruby. High-pitched aromas of fresh red fruits, violet, smoky minerals and peppery spices, with a hint of blood orange in the background. Juicy, penetrating and concentrated, offering energetic black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that put on weight with aeration. Shows excellent focus and persistence on the finish, which is firmed by fine-grained tannins and a jolt of dusty minerals. This vivacious wine is delicious now with some decanter time, but has the concentration and balance to age smoothly over the coming decade.
Music for Enjoyment: Chopin – Preludes Op.28 No.4 in E-Minor performed by Master Fou Ts’ong
