LA MALA 2016

The maximum expression of the minerality in the Atauta Valley

La Mala con caja de madera

La Mala represents a perfect balance between the delicacy of the tannin that comes from 60 cm of poor soil and the power that the 10 cm of clay provides it before the roots dig into the limestone rock.

Play Video

Before La Mala

and now the good one

Since the time when a good vineyard produced most of the grapes, the winemakers in the Atauta Valley called, the vineyard in this area “La Mala”. Now, the search for quality and essence is the only way for Dominio de Atauta. That is why, since 2002, “La Mala” is for us “la buena”.

The monopoly

of La Mala

La Mala comprises 0.70 hectares of vineyards distributed in 10 micro-plots from which we elaborate our Dominio de Atauta La Mala. 100% of the grapes that come from the area of “La Mala” are elaborated by Dominio de Atauta.
La Mala 3

The shallowest soil

On the surface, 60 cm of loose and poor sand provide a great silkiness in the mouth. 10 cm or red clay give character and structure. The main decomposed limestone rock provides freshness and a feeling of limestone minerality (chalk) that make “La Mala” a unique and special wine.
La Mala 4

A climate that favors slow ripening

The wide temperature range causes the ripening to occur slowly. The location of the Atauta Valley places it among the windiest of the Ribera del Duero, which contributes to improve the sanitary conditions of the vineyard.

Dominio de Atauta La Mala is an example of commitment with a unique viticultural heritage and product of a commendable personal effort sustained and supported by a winery that is increasingly in love with the valley in which is located.

The harvest of the 0,70 hectares distributed in 10 micro-plots 130 years old inside the area of “La Mala” took place on October 20th 2016, with a harvest of 1.842 Kg.

After a triple selection of plots, clusters and grapes, the wine was vatted by gravity in 3 small stainless-steel tanks.

After 6 days of cold maceration at a temperature below 10ºC and 2 punch-downs per day, it fermented with its own yeasts for 11 days at a maximum temperature of 27ºC, adapting the number of daily punch-downs to its needs.

After alcoholic fermentation, it macerated for 15 days with its skins in search of the right point of structure. Malolactic fermentation and aging for 16 months in French oak barrels of second use.

Bigarreau cherry color.

Great aromatic intensity, La Mala stands out for its minerality in the form of aromas of white chalk powder that combines perfectly with aromas of aromatic plants, lavender, rosemary, chamomile combines with ripe red and black berries and light spicy notes.

With an elegant attack and development in the mouth, it has a powerful finish where the minerality typical of La Mala is felt again.

The 27th of September, 2018, 907 750 ml bottles were produced.

97 Gourmets
96 Tim Atkin
94 Peñin
95 Parker

White meats, roast lamb or kid in particular, sweetbreads and mushrooms, rice dishes, particularly those containing meat such as rabbit paella, rice black pudding and dishes flavored with black truffle.