February 2025 Crianza Club

Last September, I had the chance to discover Bodegas Bardos at a large regional wine tasting event in Spain. Situated in the heart of the Ribera del Duero region, their wines immediately stood out, but what really caught my attention was their commitment to something bigger. 

Bodegas Bardos is involved in a really cool social project focused on encouraging women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas. The goal is to help fight the depopulation happening in these villages by giving women the tools to create businesses and opportunities that can revitalize their communities. It's inspiring to see a winery not just focused on wine, but also on making a real impact on the people and places they’re connected to. Of course, the wines themselves were exceptional—rich, flavorful, and full of character. Tasting them that day, it was clear that Bardos is all about blending tradition with purpose.

When Bodegas Bardos was created, wine maker Raúl Acha had the option to settle in the more prestigious Golden Mile, where most of the big wineries are, but instead, they chose one of the toughest, coldest, and highest spots (at 900 meters above sea level) in the Ribera del Duero region: the Páramo de Corcos.

This area is often overlooked, but it’s actually one of the most unique and surprising regions in all of Ribera. With 10,000 hectares of flat, rugged land, only the bravest know how to work here, enduring extreme conditions year-round. The cold bites to the bone, the wind cuts through you, and the sun burns everything in sight. But it’s this very harshness that shapes the terroir. The Páramo reflects the sweat, fear, and strength of the people who cultivate it, and it’s here where the most sought-after grape of the entire D.O. thrives.

The vines struggle here, bringing out an intensity and complexity in the wines that you can’t find in the easier parts of the region. For Bardos, it wasn’t just about making wine—it was about creating something daring, surrounded by a landscape that demands resilience. And it paid off. The result is a collection of wines that hit the sweet spot between power and finesse.

Bardos Viñedos de Altura 2021 is mostly Tinta Fina, with a touch of Albillo Mayor and Garnacha Tinta, all hand-harvested at night to keep that fresh, vibrant character. After a careful fermentation and 12 months aging in a mix of stainless  barrels and larger vats, you get this gorgeous, vivid cherry-red wine that’s bursting with fresh fruit and a hint of spice. It’s velvety, with ripe tannins and this perfect balance between acidity and richness. The best part? That fresh, fruit-forward finish that lingers and left me wanting another sip.

This wine would be fantastic with grilled meats like a perfectly seared ribeye steak or roast lamb. The acidity and freshness also make it a great match for dishes with earthy flavors, such as wild mushroom risotto or roasted vegetables with herbs.


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