The Old Fire Station, Old Market, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire

Rippa Dorii, Roble, Ribera del Duero

Rippa Dorii is an Ontañón Family project, producing wines from two of Spain’s most important wine regions that run alongside the River Duero – Ribera del Duero and Rueda. The name 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.

They have vineyards in the heart of the Ribera region, in the Fuentecén area, 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 red wines here are produced solely from the Tempranillo grape, also known in the region as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais.

The Roble represents the entry point for the Rippa Dorii range. 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.

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.

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

CONTACT TO ORDER

We can deliver anywhere in mainland Britain from £11.95 per case.