The 2021 Dominio de Atauta “Parada de Atauta” is a brilliant showcase for Old World winemaking—a wine rooted in the extreme terrain and ancient vines of Ribera del Duero’s Soria subregion. Crafted from Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grown at high elevation on sandy, limestone-driven soils, it balances Ribera’s classic power with striking freshness, minerality, and aromatic lift.
80 plus year old Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) vines thrive in the high-altitude vineyards of the Ribera del Duero region, situated between 720 and 1,100 meters above sea level. Soils here are rich in clay, limestone, and sand while the growing season sees dramatic continental temperature shifts with very warm days and refreshingly cool nights. This unique terroir, along with meticulous low-yield farming practices, fosters slow, balanced ripening of thick-skinned grapes that produce bold, concentrated wines with exceptional aging potential and elegant complexity.
Miguel Sánchez was a wine merchant based in Madrid who recognized the hidden potential of the ancient vineyards in the Atauta Valley within Ribera del Duero. Motivated to showcase the region's exceptional terroir and potential for great wines, he founded the estate in 1999. Their first wines were launched in 2000 and have undoubtedly helped revitalize viticulture in this remote part of Spain. Jaime Suárez is the Technical Director and is widely recognized for his dedication to preserving ancient, ungrafted vineyards as well as his meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking.
After harvesting very old vines in sandy soils, grapes are brought back to the cellar for careful hand sorting. Selected grapes undergo a cold maceration for a few days, followed by initial fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using native yeasts. After initial fermentation, the wine is then racked into french oak barrels (50% new), where it goes through malolactic fermentation and ages for approximately 12 months. A philosophy of minimal intervention is employed throughout the entire production process.
Bright cherry color with hints of violet. Complex aromas of fresh red and black fruits combined with layers of fresh savory herbs and a soft touch of vanilla and warm baking spice. The palate is balanced and elegant, with ripe cherry, raspberry, and blackberry flavors with firm tannins that provide structure and lock everything in place. Fresh acidity leads to a long, lively and poised finish.
