Wines Ribera del Duero Pago de la Capilla - Finca El Otero - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Pago de la Capilla’s Finca El Otero 2019 from Ribera del Duero is a premium red wine exemplifying the region’s strengths. Crafted mainly from Tempranillo (locally called Tinto Fino), this cuvée is sourced from select vineyards, where old vines thrive in stony, silty soils at high altitudes. The 2019 vintage benefited from a relatively balanced growing season, yielding healthy grapes with excellent concentration and structure. Winemaking traditions in Ribera del Duero favour careful selection and prolonged ageing, both in oak barrels and in bottle, to harmonise the wine’s intensity and refine its tannins. Expect a deep, opaque ruby hue with layered aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, dark cherries, and subtle spicy notes from oak maturation, such as vanilla, cedar and hints of tobacco. Minerality and a touch of balsamic complexity echo the unique terroir.

Ribera del Duero, situated in Spain’s northern plateau within Castille and León, is defined by its extreme continental climate. Hot, sunny summer days and chilling, often sub-zero nights allow grapes to ripen slowly, preserving acidity and building complexity. Altitudes between 750 and 850 metres and well-drained, rocky soils further stress the vines, resulting in lower yields and highly concentrated fruit. Despite its modern fame, winegrowing here dates back to Roman times, but it’s in the last few decades that Ribera del Duero has established itself as one of Spain’s most prestigious red wine regions, rivalling even Rioja.

This Finca El Otero is most at home beside robust, richly flavoured dishes. Classic pairings include roasted or grilled lamb, a staple of the region, or mature hard cheeses. Slow-braised beef short ribs, chorizo stew, or game dishes such as venison highlight the wine’s depth and structure. For a local touch, try it with ‘lechazo asado’, Castilian roast suckling lamb.

Serve this wine decanted, ideally an hour before serving, to allow the bouquet to develop fully. Enjoy at 16-18°C to appreciate the richness and subtlety. It has great cellaring potential should you wish to allow further complexity to unfold with maturity.