Dominio do Bibei

Dominio do Bibei was established in 2001 by Javier Domínguez in Ribeira Sacra, a region in the northwest corner of Spain. Javier’s ambitious winemaking project set out to showcase the wonderful terroir of the region, alongside rediscovering his family’s roots in the area. Much like the terraced vineyards of Portugal’s Douro, the ground here in the Bibei valley is steeply sloped, and vines are grown at altitudes ranging from 350 to 920 metres above sea level. The north facing schist and granite soils ensure the wines have freshness and acidity, despite the warm Spanish sun. Across his 32 hectares Javier grows Mencía, which accounts for the majority of his red wine blend, plus native varieties Brancellao, Mouratón, Sousón, Caíño and Alicante Bouschet. His white wines are predominantly Godello-based, but he also grows Doña Blanca, Albariño and Torrontés. Javier takes a natural approach to his winemaking; destemming the grapes and ageing in vessels which range from oak vats to larger barrels and even Nomblot eggs (cement tanks). His flagship wine, Lalama, shows off his stylish winemaking and the wonderful ageing potential of his wines from this lesser-known region.