Dominio del Bendito, El Primer Paso

Wine Type: Red Wine

Grape(s): 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)

Country: Spain

Region: Toro

Organic: Yes

Vegan: No

ABV: 16%

Winemaker: Antony Terryn

Winery: Domino Del Bendito was set up by Frenchman Antony Terryn in 2003 after a long search for what he considered his dream vineyards. He bought several old parcels of Tinta de Toro vines in the fabled La Jara vineyard area (pago), many of which were ungrafted, or even pre-phylloxera, protected by the very sandy soils.

Antony approaches his winemaking a little like art. He uses his different parcels of grapes as a colour palette, from which he can 'paint' his masterpieces through careful winemaking choices and blending. His passion for viticulture, and knowing that good wine can only come from good grapes, is showcased by his hand-tending and harvesting of the vines, organic production with no synthetic treatments, and everything he does being mindful of ecological and environmental sustainability.

Organic since 2004, the vineyard is cultivated traditionally and all vines are unirrigated bush plants. They pay great attention and special care to manage canopy throughout the growing season, to obtain the highest standards of quality grapes and a balanced vineyard.

Winemaking: El Primer Paso comes from a mix ungrafted and grafted vineyards that include vines over 45 years old in small plots located in one of the most famous and historic regions in Toro, La Jara and in the heights of Valdefinjas. Fermented in concrete tanks and aged between six and eight months in French and American barrels the wine is dense without being too much and with enough structure so that it can age well between five and 10 years, but drinks well now if you like full-bodied reds. There's no fining or filtration. 

Tasting Notes: El Primer Paso reveals ripe berries and integrated spice after six months in barrel. It's full-bodied, with abundant, ripe tannins. Pair with any kind of good red meat, grilled meat and roasts plus cheese.