Viñedos y Bodegas Dominio de Tares San Román de (León)

Denominación de Origen: El Bierzo El Bierzo is a widening of the River Valley ringed by snowcapped peaks. It is said that a rather substantial lake existed in ancient times, drained by the Romans to access the mineral riches beneath its waters (, the ruins of one of the largest gold operations in the , is an International Patrimony). On the frontier between Castilla y León and , Bierzo’s climate is typified by a mixture of Continental and Atlantic influence, at relatively high altitude. Soils are mineral, with slate and quartzite predominating. El Bierzo’s predominant local variety is the Mencía, descended from grapes brought by the Roman settlers and widely regarded as the immediate precursor to the Cabernet Franc. Nearly all of the vines are over 30 years old, with a preponderance of vines over 100 years old.

Dominio de Tares was formed in 2000 by an enthusiastic group of local businessmen, lead by Fermín Uria and Mario Rico. The objective was to lead the quality resurgence in Bierzo following years of neglect and bulk production. Given Bierzo’s fresh/mineral terroir and old Mencía vines, quality at the highest level was an immediate prospect. Intensive acquisition of old vine parcels, now totaling nearly 150 acres, has further increased quality as modern vineyard management techniques are applied to the restoration of the viticultural base.

Quality purchased fruit is used to produce Albares Mencía, an intense, berry-rich wine without aging, and “Baltos” Mencía (previously named Dominio de Tares Mencía), aged six months in barrel (2001 honored among the Top 100 wines of 2003 by Wine Spectator). From minimum 60-year-old Mencía vines 100% controlled by the estate is produced “Exaltos” Mencía Cepas Viejas (previously Dominio de Tares Cepas Viejas) (malolactic and nine months’ ageing in barrel). From six particular sites with vines over 100 years old comes Bembibre, and a seventh site called Pago Tres (P3) including ungrafted vines is reserved for bottling on its own. The latter two wines, established already at the most elite levels of Spanish wine, undergo malolactic in new oak followed by 15 months’ aging in new oak.

Classical Wines 9075 Holman Road — Seattle, Washington 98117-3426 USA Phone: (206) 297-6713 • Fax: (206) 297-6719 • Sales Support: (800) 257-7225 www.classicalwines.com • [email protected]