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Dominio de Tares Albares 2004

Winemaker Dominio de Tares is located up in the Northwest Corner of Spain—in the Bierzo region of Galicia. With the success of winemakers in the Bierzo and the Rias Baixas (RIAS BAY-CHAS) nearby, Galicia is quickly becoming one of the most celebrated wine regions of Spain.

Dominio de Tares vineyards.

Galicia is remarkable in several respects—it more closely resembles Ireland and Scotland and, interestingly enough, was invaded by the Celts in 600 BC. The Romans came along 650 years later and brought winemaking to the area, but the Celtic influence remains strong. As evidence (and for tunes to accompany this wine), check out one of Galicia’s best known musicians Carlos Nuñez—the Jimmy Hendrix of the bagpipes. Galicia is also one of the wettest parts of Spain—the green northwest of Spain.

The Domino de Tares Albares features a relatively unknown grape native to Spain, Mencia, no relation to Carlos of Comedy Central. However, the Mencia grape may be related to Cabernet Franc and shares its aromatic qualities. Mencia beautifully expresses the terroir of the Bierzo’s chalky clay soil and slate substrata and is widely considered to make the best red wine in the Beirzo. Dominio de Tares uses 100 percent tank fermentation to focus the grape’s fruit and malolactic fermentation for balance and finish. The Albares shows ripe red fruit on the nose, with woodsy and mineral notes. On the palate it offers flavors of plums and black fruit on a rather firm structure. Pair with grilled meats or, better yet for this time of year, stews. Enjoy!