Collection: Dominio Do Bibei

Ribeira Sacra – cool climate, steep terraces, and local grapes

Dominio do Bibei was founded in 2002 in Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, in the northwestern corner of Spain. The area is markedly different from the classic Spanish wine regions and is characterized by a cool, Atlantic climate, large altitude differences, and extremely steep vineyards.

Here, the cool air from the Atlantic meets the warmer mainland. This results in many cool mornings, relatively high rainfall, and significant temperature differences between day and night. The result is a slow ripening of the grapes and wines with freshness, moderate alcohol, and a pronounced acid structure.

A dramatic landscape by the Bibei River

The winery is located in the most inaccessible part of Ribeira Sacra, close to the Bibei River, which plays a central role in the area's ecosystem. The river contributes to rich biodiversity and a green, lush landscape that contrasts with many other Spanish wine regions.

The terrain is dramatic with steep slopes, gorges, and valleys, surrounded by old chestnut and oak trees as well as wild herbs like lavender and chamomile. The vineyards are situated at altitudes between 200 and 700 meters above sea level and are laid out as classic stone terraces, carved directly into the mountainsides - an extremely demanding work that can only be done manually.

Vineyards, soil, and grape varieties

Dominio do Bibei owns about 125 hectares of land, of which approximately 40 hectares are planted with vines. The vines vary in age from about 15 years to over 100 years.

The soil is complex and dominated by slate and granite with elements of clay, quartz, and feldspar. This composition gives the wines a distinct minerality and a light, vibrant expression.

Only local grape varieties are used. On the red wine side, this includes mencía, sousón, caíño, brancellao, mouratón, and garnacha, and on the white wine side, godello. The focus is on allowing each grape and each vineyard to express its own character.

Cultivation and vinification

The work in the vineyard is based on respect for nature and minimal intervention. Cultivation follows organic and biodynamic principles, and all harvesting is done manually.

The winery is built into the slopes with underground facilities to minimize the visual impact on the landscape. At the same time, it allows for working with bioclimatic cooling systems and gravity in wine production.

Vinification is traditional and handcrafted. Primarily old, used barrels are used, and the wines are often aged for a long time in the bottle before release to achieve balance and complexity.

The people behind the wines

The first vintages were created by winemaker Iria Otero Mazoy with assistance from Sara Pérez and René Barbier Jr. from Priorat. Since 2015, Paula Fernández Trabanco, formerly of Dominio de Tares, has had full responsibility for wine production and has continued the house's uncompromising approach.

Style and expression

The wines from Dominio do Bibei are characterized by lower alcohol, marked freshness, and a distinct minerality. They are elegant, balanced, and complex - wines that stand in clear contrast to the warmer and more powerful expressions often associated with Spanish wine.

These are wines where climate, soil, and craftsmanship are clearly present in the glass.

Dominio do Bibei at Copenhagen Wine

For us, Dominio do Bibei is a reference point for modern, terroir-driven wines from Ribeira Sacra. Wines with clear identity, great finesse, and an expression that shows how nuanced and exciting northwestern Spain can be.