Wines Ribera del Duero Dominio de Cair - Cair - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Dominio de Cair 2019 is a distinguished red wine from the renowned Ribera del Duero DO in Spain’s Castille and León region. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo (locally known as Tinta del País), the Cuvée Cair benefits from meticulous grape selection, with some vines reaching several decades in age. The 2019 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, yielding grapes with excellent maturity and concentration. After hand-harvesting, the berries are traditionally vinified and matured in French and American oak barrels, lending the wine depth, complexity, and a subtle spiciness. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby hue, offering seductive aromas of ripe black fruit, plum, hints of liquorice, and vanilla, underscored by mineral and sweet spice notes. The palate is structured yet supple, with polished tannins supporting dark cherry, blackberry and a persistent, elegant finish.

Ribera del Duero’s elevated plateau is celebrated for its extreme continental climate: hot summers, cold winters, and significant diurnal temperature swings foster intense fruit concentration while preserving refreshing acidity. The region’s soils, a combination of clay, limestone, and silt with alluvial deposits, are ideal for producing robust, age-worthy reds. Ribera del Duero as a modern quality wine region dates back several decades, but grape growing and winemaking have roots stretching to Roman times. Its reputation rivals that of Rioja for Spain’s greatest reds, and today, the wines embody both power and finesse.

Dominio de Cair 2019 shines alongside rich, flavourful cuisine. Traditional Spanish roast lamb (lechazo asado), slow-cooked or grilled red meats, and cured Iberian hams are classic pairings. The wine’s structure also complements aged Manchego cheese, chargrilled vegetables, oxtail stew, and savoury mushroom dishes. For international fare, it stands up beautifully to roast beef, lamb shank, or hearty vegetarian casseroles.

To fully appreciate its complexity, serve this wine at 16-18°C and allow it to breathe for at least an hour before drinking. Decanting is recommended to open up the aromatics. The wine can be enjoyed now for its youthful vibrance but will continue to develop grace and harmony over the coming five to seven years.