“El Paisano” (the farmer’s wine) is named after the wine that was drunk on the farms of Bierzo in the old days, a light and mouth-watering wine that could be enjoyed chilled… Dominio de Tares’ version is composed of 85% Mencia, supplemented with the red and white wine grapes Palomino Fino (approx. 10%), Garnacha (2%), Dona Blanca (2%) and Godello (1%). The grapes are sourced from the house’s own vineyards in Bierzo Alto, from both young and older vines at an altitude of 700 m.a.s.l., on a subsoil of primarily lime and slate.
The grapes are transported to the cellar in small boxes of 18 kg. The grapes then undergo a spontaneous fermentation with their own yeast culture and without the use of sulphur. After a natural, long malolactic fermentation, the wine is matured for 1-3 months in Bierzo’s traditional wooden casks “cubetos”, with a transfer every month. Bottling takes place after minimal filtration and without the use of pumps.
“A red wine with the soul of a white wine” is said of “El Paisano” at Dominio de Tares. The wine has a light, ruby red color. The scent is very immediate with lovely aromas of violets, currants, bird cherry and a bit of licorice. The taste is also open and fruity with character of red berries and a touch of herbs. An unpretentious wine, just to enjoy. Serve it for an informal meal with good friends, for the garden party, the forest trip – or try it with, for example, fried tuna. Serve slightly chilled.
The winery Dominio de Tares was founded in 2000 and is located near San Román de Bembibre in the Bierzo district – part of the Castilla y Léon region. Bierzo got its own DO classification in 1989, and Dominio de Tares has been one of the pioneers behind the fame that Bierzo wines enjoy today. Dominio de Tares has particularly focused on the area’s unique local and indigenous grapes – the red Mencia and the white Godello, and has thus helped bring them back to glory and dignity.
It is a young and competent team at the helm of Dominio de Tares, all of them connected to the area and driven by a common passion and enthusiasm to produce typical Bierzo wines of high quality. They have therefore also selected some of the best vineyards in the area right from the start – especially plots planted with older vines.
Today, a total of 30 ha is available. vineyards located in both Bierzo Bajo (“low Bierzo” near Valtuille, Villadecanes and Parandones) and Bierzo Alto (“upper Bierzo” near San Román de Bembibre) as well as slopes in San Lorenzo, Otero and Salas de los Barrios, in the “between Bierzo ”. This diversity of origin, combined with the high age of the vines (between 40 and 90 years), provides perfect opportunities to produce harmonious, elegant and complex wines that are just to be enjoyed!
