Dominio de Tares

Founded in 2000, the Dominio de Tares wine estate has been quick to make a mark on Spain’s up-and-coming Bierzo region, earning a reputation for well-balanced, elegant wines. International varieties are shunned in favor of two native grapes: the white Godello and the red Mencía. Ancestors of these grapes are said to date back to Ancient Roman times, when Bierzo’s Las Medulas were important gold mines and when Romans settled into the area, cultivating vineyards during their stay. Although these ancient and traditional grapes are still largely unknown beyond Spain, their complexity and concentrated flavors have many wine experts buzzing that Bierzo could be Spain’s next big appellation after Priorat. The region, located in Spain’s northwest, tucked just under Galicia, is gorgeous and one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Soft, gentle hills, charming historic towns on the Saint James pilgrimage, tidy patchwork vineyards, and small quaint hotels all make Bierzo a wonderful place to enjoy a gourmet wine tour while in Spain.

As Bierzo is considered one of Spain’s most exciting wine regions, Dominio de Tares is also considered one of the most exciting wineries in the region. Located in San Roman de Bembibre in the High Bierzo, the winery sources grapes from throughout the Bierzo DO (“Denominación de Origen,” i.e., Appellation). This region has been called a “puzzle” of different microclimates and terroirs. The vineyards are located in pockets where the high altitudes (vineyards are planted as high as 800 meters), mild climate, and intense sunshine create optimal growing conditions. Dominio owns some of the region’s oldest vineyards; most vines are at least 40 years old, and many are as old as 80.

Various wines are made under the Dominio de Tares label, including the reds Baltos, Bembibre, Tares P3, and Exaltos Cepas Viejas (which translates to ‘old vines’), and the white Godello. The creative winemaking team and open embrace of innovation and technology have led to a host of awards and recognition for this young company. An important percentage of production is exported to the USA, and reviews there have been overwhelmingly positive. The Wine Spectator named Baltos “one of Spain’s best buys” and gave it 90 points, while Bemimbre earned between 88 and 93 points in a half-dozen international wine guides.