Bardos Viñedos de Altura is the Ribera del Duero of extreme altitude, made from old Tinta Fina vines in the coolest part of the region. Bodegas Bardos was born from a search for the most promising Spanish wine regions and focuses entirely on wines that showcase their rugged Castilian landscape. What kind of wine is Bardos Viñedos de Altura? It's a powerful yet remarkably fresh Ribera del Duero, with plenty of depth, soft tannins, and a distinct cool, high-altitude signature.
The grapes for Bardos Viñedos de Altura come from Spain, from Castilla y León, from the DO Ribera del Duero, and specifically from Soria, between Alcubilla and Villálvaro. The vineyards are located at over 950 meters altitude, near the sources of the Duero River and at the foot of Mount Urbión, resulting in significant temperature variations between day and night. The vines are old and naturally yield low. They are planted on sandy soils with fine pebbles resting on iron-rich clay, a combination that produces concentrated grapes yet abundant freshness. The plots are surrounded by nature, with holm oaks, junipers, and cork oaks, which isolate the vineyards and gives them their own microclimate. Bardos operates here with artisanal work, with much manual labor in the vineyard, and aims to capture with this wine the essence of the high-altitude Ribera, full of tension and elegance.
The harvest is carried out entirely by hand at night, in small crates, ensuring the grapes arrive at the cellar cooled and in perfect condition. After initial selection, the grapes are fermented in 15,000-kilo barrels at around 18°C, with a gentle skin maceration of around two weeks to gently extract color, aroma, and structure. Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, which helps preserve the fruit and freshness. The wine then matures for 12 months in oak containers of various sizes, from classic 225-liter barriques to 600-liter bocoyes and larger wooden barrels. This mix of barrel sizes adds complexity and texture without the wood dominating the wine. The alcohol content is around 15%, but the altitude and fresh acidity keep Bardos Viñedos de Altura vibrant and well-balanced.
Tinta Fina – high vineyards in Soria
Tinta Fina makes up the majority of the blend, giving the wine its core of cherry-red fruit, structure and the velvety yet distinct tannins so characteristic of Ribera del Duero.
Albillo Mayor – old mixed planting
Albillo Mayor comes from the mixed rows among the Tinta Fina and adds a subtle touch of light florality and extra tension to the wine.
Garnacha Tinta – individual vines in the vineyard
Garnacha Tinta is present in small quantities in the old plots and contributes extra roundness and a hint of spicy red fruit.
