Photo Courtesy of Dominio del Aguila

100pt Ribera del Duero and more
The Burgundy of Spain

Dominio del Aguila is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting wineries in the world!

The quality and character of this property from Jorge Monzon is what icons are made from. This relative “newcomer” has redefined Ribera del Duero and has rapidly become the star of the region. A star that burns so bright and strong that Dominio del Aguila is firmly rooted as the modern-day benchmark and king of Ribera.

Monzon and his team are dedicated to organic agriculture, whole cluster, traditional methods including foot treading, long and slow fermentation in very cold cellars, and field blends. By searching out old-vine vineyards at high elevations, Dominio del Aguila achieves a bouquet and lift in the wines unlike any other noted Ribera del Duero.

Much has been said about Jorge Monzon’s resume before establishing Dominio del Aguila. The time at DRC and Vega Sicilia have imparted Monzon with a skill set that allowed him the confidence and knowledge to challenge the “norm” of modern Ribera del Duero. Much like the partnership at Comando G and Envinate, Monzon has opted to return to traditional and ancient methods in his farming and winemaking practices. The emphasis on old sites with old vines on nearly treacherous slopes has become a foundation for the Reserva and Gran Reservas. 

However, the quality at Dominio del Aguila across the entire production is nothing short of tremendous. The whites are stunning and powerful with an intensity that many call “Coche-like”. The entry level reds deliver a quality that most estate deliver in their Reservas and the resurrected expression of “Clarete” is one of the most interesting and age-worthy wines we have tasted that incorporates white and red grapes to produce a light red to orangish-pinkish colored wine that is more than a Rose. The Reserva, Gran Reserva and single vineyard wines are simply put - the best of the region. The quality here is uber-consistent. The harmony achieved exudes a class that marries the best of Burgundy and traditional Tempranillo. The pedigree is as if this estate has been producing these wines for 100 years. 

Now is the era of Dominio del Aguila in Ribera del Duero.

Cheers,
Jeremy