Dominio do Bibei “Lalama”
Ribeira Sacra, spain | 2019
Beyond its magical flavors, this month’s wine's name resonates like an incantation from the halls of Hogwarts: Dominio do Bibei Lalama! Magic wand will not be included. Alas, I digress.
Ribeira Sacra is a ruggedly mountainous area located within Spain’s northwestern region of Galicia known mostly for its aromatic white Albariños grown closer to the coast. It has breathtaking landscapes carved by the Sil and Miño rivers and is a sanctuary for winemakers seeking to create wines of a truly profound character. The steeply terraced vineyards (known as socalcos) cascade down dizzying slopes dating back centuries in its viticultural evolution. This challenging terrain, characterized by ancient slate and granite soils, demands painstaking manual labor, but rewards with wines that represent its incredible terroir—expressive, vibrant, and utterly unique. It’s a labor of love if there ever was one!
Situated in fittingly named Bibei Valley, Dominio do Bibei cherishes the land's diversity and cultural heritage. Their commitment to organic and biodynamic principles resonates in every bottle showcasing the vineyards' pure expression and preserving the region's age-old customs. Lalama, a flagship wine of Dominio do Bibei, reflects the winery's philosophy and the magic of Ribeira Sacra (minus the wand!). The indigenous blend consisting of 90% Mencía (and smaller parts of Brancellao, Mouratón, and Garnacha Tintorera) sourced from old, gnarled vines scattered across the hillsides and nurtured in the region's rocky soils, speaks volumes about the region itself. The winemaking approach here is a delicate balance embracing tradition while also incorporating modern techniques to craft wines that mirror the region's untamed beauty. Only using indigenous yeasts, the fruit is fermented in old open-top wooden vats then rested in neutral French barrel for 20+ months to preserve the natural quality of the fruit and to add roundness to the tart Mencia. It is then cellared in bottle for at least another year before release.
On the nose you’ll get vibrant aromas of wild berries, ripe red cherries, and floral hints intertwining seamlessly with subtle earthy notes, evoking the rugged terroir of the Bibei Valley. On the palate, Lalama unveils its rich layers: succulent dark fruits and fennel laced with touches of cigar spice and supported by fine, integrated tannins. Its graceful acidity lends a refreshing lift, leading to a lingering and brooding finish. Great to pair with rustic sausage based stews or any favorite items you like to throw on the barbeque!