Bodegas Antídoto, Antídoto, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2023

Producer Profile

Bodegas Antídoto is a standout winery founded in 2010 in Soria, at the eastern edge of Ribera del Duero, by French vigneron Bertrand Sourdais and Spanish agronomist David Hernando.

Their ambition is to revive the region’s pre-phylloxera vineyards and create terroir-driven wines that break from Ribera’s convention. The name Antídoto reflects a rebellion: countering mass-market Ribera styles with wines that are elegant, balanced, and have a true sense of place.

Viticulture

Grapes are harvested from 332 plots from different villages of Soria. Vines are planted at 900-1000m altitude and are aged between 30 and 80 years old, with sandy soils as well as some stony, silt, clay and calcareous soils.

Winemaking

A controlled fermentation in stainless steel barrels at 20ºC to 30ºC. 1 daily pumping over and 5 to 7 days maceration. Racking once 80% of alcoholic fermentation is complete with the final 20% fermentation completed as a liquid phase. Aged in 600 litre French Oak barrels for 5 months, 25% of which was new oak.

Tasting Note

A beautifully expressive and elegant take on Ribera del Duero, showcasing finesse over power. Aromatic and precise, red cherry, wild strawberry, and cranberry, backed by dried herbs, crushed rock, and a hint of star anise and rose petal. Subtle notes of cedar, clove and cocoa dust underscore the fruit without dominating. The palate is vibrant and fine with juicy, bright raspberry and pomegranate. Accents of sandalwood, pepper, and wet stone. A cool-climate freshness and tension are notable, reflecting the terroir. Texturally silky, with a linear, mineral-driven finish.

Food Matching

Red meats in a rich sauce, grilled vegetables and mushroom stews.