Wines Ribera del Duero Condado de Haza - 20 Aldeas - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Condado de Haza "Cuvée 20 Aldeas" 2019 from Ribera del Duero is a fine Spanish red expressing the full potential of its terroir and region. Crafted primarily from Tempranillo, or Tinto Fino as it’s known locally, this cuvée is sourced from carefully selected plots surrounding the historical estate. The 2019 vintage benefitted from a warm, dry growing season, allowing for concentrated, healthy fruit and a wine marked by depth and elegance. After fermentation, the wine is typically matured in American oak barrels, endowing it with subtle vanilla and spice notes that harmonise beautifully with its ripe dark fruit core—think black cherry, plum, and a splash of wild berry. Earthy undertones, hints of cocoa, and a touch of tobacco weave through a supple, structured palate.

Ribera del Duero sits high on the northern plateau of Castille and León, at altitudes often exceeding 800 metres. This region’s continental climate brings scorching summers and frigid winters, producing grapes with thick skins and pronounced flavour intensity. The soils, a mix of limestone, clay, and gravels, provide excellent drainage and contribute to wines with vibrant acidity and firm tannic structure. Ribera del Duero has a storied reputation dating back to Roman times, but it was in the late 20th century that the area emerged as a leader in Spanish fine wine, rivalling neighbouring Rioja with its robust, ageworthy reds.

Pair this wine with hearty local fare such as roast lamb, suckling pig (cochinillo asado), or rich morcilla sausages. The wine’s freshness and body also complement aged Manchego cheese and wild mushroom dishes. Its generous structure stands up well to grilled steaks, roast venison, or stews with paprika and smoky chorizo.

For ideal tasting, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow it to open up and serve it at 16-18°C. This will enhance both the aromatic complexity and the silkiness of the tannins, ensuring an optimal enjoyment of every glass.