This is a wine which compares favourably to other wines which are twice the price - the style is full-flavoured as is typical for Ribera del Duero, however the tannins and the oak are well-crafted, and give a wine which has fantastic drinkability.

Aromatically this has a really inviting and vibrant fresh fruit expression of dark cherries, red plums, baking spices, with gently floral notes. The palate focuses on fruit but with enough tannin to give structure, a good length finish, and gentle oaky notes.

Rippa Dorii is an Ontañón Family project in Ribera del Duero. Their vineyards are located in the Fuentecén area, in the heart of the Ribera region, bathed by the Duero and its tributary the Riaza river. Here altitudes reach over 900 metres and the climate is harsh, with irregular rain, uncertain frosts, and short and extremely hot summers.

Their Ribera del Duero wines are produced solely from the Tempranillo grape, also known in the region as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais.

Rippa Dorii is the latin form of ‘Ribera del Duero’ – inspiration for the name and label came from the nearby 13th century chapel of Santa Maria de Ripa Dorii, in Torrecilla de la Abadesa.

The Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) vines are over 15yrs of age, and grow in a number of sites near Fuentecén. After a first selection of grapes in the vineyard, they undergo a pre-fermentation maceration for 3 days. Alcoholic fermenation takes over 14 days at 21- 23ºC. Malolactic fermentation is induced duing the latter stage of the alcoholic fermentation. The wine then matures for 7 months in new oak - 40% American, and 60% French with varying levels of toast.

Enjoy with richly-flavoured pasta dishes such as lasagna or spaghetti bolognese, or ribs and burgers.