Dominio del AguilaCastilla y Leon, Spain

Dominio del Aguila: Reviving Ribera del Duero’s Forgotten Traditions with Precision and Soul

Dominio del Aguila – A New Name with Old Roots

Few estates in Spain’s Ribera del Duero have risen so quickly to prominence — or with such integrity — as Dominio del Aguila. Founded in 2010 by Jorge Monzón and his wife Isabel Rodero in the small village of La Aguilera, this boutique winery has rapidly become a reference point for those seeking authenticity, finesse, and a true sense of place. At a time when Ribera’s reputation was largely built on power and extraction, Jorge and Isabel quietly set about forging a different path: one rooted in history, tradition, and the nuanced expression of exceptional old vineyards.

Dominio del Aguila: From Burgundy to La Aguilera

Jorge Monzón’s pedigree is beyond question. Before returning to his native Ribera del Duero, he trained at none other than Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy, as well as Spain’s revered Vega Sicilia and Arzuaga Navarro. This experience gave him a deep understanding of vineyard work, precision winemaking, and above all, the importance of terroir. His wife Isabel, an architect by training, played a crucial role in restoring the estate’s ancient 15th-century subterranean cellars — a project that underscores the couple’s commitment to preserving heritage while crafting wines for the future.

"Jorge Monzon Pascual is the name behind Dominio del Aguila. He has an impressive CV, as he spent two years at the Domaine de la Romanee Conti while studying in France, one year in Vega Sicilia" - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate 

Ancient Vines, Organic Farming

Dominio del Aguila’s vineyards are among Ribera del Duero’s most extraordinary. Spread across more than 200 micro-plots totalling 70 hectares, many of the vines are over 100 years old, some even pre-dating the phylloxera crisis and still thriving on their original rootstocks. These gnarled old vines, ranging from 60 to over 150 years old, are farmed organically and biodynamically, reflecting Jorge’s belief that such venerable vineyards require little interference to produce exceptional fruit. While Tempranillo dominates, there is also a rich diversity of indigenous varieties, including Albillo, Tempranillo Gris, Garnacha, Bobal, and Bruñal, woven into field blends that capture the complexity of these historic parcels.

In the cellar, tradition reigns supreme. Jorge favours whole-cluster fermentation, foot treading, and indigenous yeasts, respecting the rhythms of nature rather than imposing modern technique. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel, and ageing occurs in a combination of old French oak barrels and the estate’s restored, frigid underground cellars, where the wines mature slowly, gaining depth, nuance, and harmony. This patient approach yields wines of precision and restraint, a world away from the over-extracted style often associated with the region.

A Terroir of Purity and Elegance

The vineyards of La Aguilera sit on a mosaic of sandy and clay-limestone soils over limestone bedrock, a terroir that lends the wines tension, minerality, and vibrant acidity. Dramatic diurnal temperature shifts — hot days and cool nights — further refine aromatics and preserve natural freshness. The result? Wines that speak eloquently of place, offering clarity, finesse, and remarkable age-worthiness.

The Wines of Dominio del Aguila: Redefining Ribera’s Potential

Dominio del Aguila’s portfolio showcases both innovation and reverence for tradition. The Pícaro Tinto and Clarete are field blends co-fermenting red and white grapes, with Clarete reviving a near-forgotten local style of pale, savoury wine. Their Reserva hails from vines over a century old, aged 35 months in oak — structured, yet graceful and complex.

The single-vineyard Peña Aladas comes from thin limestone soils and demands patience, evolving beautifully with extended ageing. Canta la Perdiz, from gravelly plots of 100–150-year-old vines, offers a more floral, ethereal expression. Finally, Albillo Blanco — crafted since 2010, despite the D.O. only recognising whites from 2019 onwards — stands as a pioneering example of Ribera’s white wine potential: textured, mineral, and deeply characterful.

A Philosophy of Precision and Place

At its core, Dominio del Aguila champions the marriage of Burgundian precision with the traditions of Ribera del Duero. Every wine is a reflection of its vineyard, its vintage, and its heritage. By embracing ancient vines, historic practices, and an ethos of patient, careful craftsmanship, Jorge and Isabel have positioned their estate among the most exciting in Spain today.

In little more than a decade, Dominio del Aguila has become one of Ribera del Duero’s most respected producers. For collectors, sommeliers, and those who prize purity and finesse over flash and excess, these wines represent a thrilling new benchmark for the region — a reminder that greatness often lies in looking back, not forward.

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Wines produced at Dominio del Aguila:

Dominio del Aguila Pícaro del Aguila Tinto

A traditional field blend of red and white varieties, co-fermented using whole clusters and natural yeasts. Pícaro del Aguila Tinto captures the freshness, energy and authentic character of old-vine Ribera del Duero, offering bright red fruit, herbal notes and a savoury, textured finish with remarkable balance.

Dominio del Aguila Pícaro del Aguila Clarete

An historic style reborn, Pícaro del Aguila Clarete blends red and white grapes in a pale, ethereal expression. Fermented in concrete with whole clusters, this wine offers red berries, orange peel, and savoury depth, balanced by chalky freshness and a saline, almost Burgundian purity on the finish.

Dominio del Aguila Reserva

Sourced from vineyards over 100 years old, Reserva is matured for 35 months in oak and reflects the depth of Ribera’s finest terroirs. Dark-fruited, structured and layered, it balances power with restraint, showing graphite, wild herbs, and fresh acidity beneath fine, age-worthy tannins. A benchmark for the estate.

Dominio del Aguila Peña Aladas Gran Reserva

From thin soils over pure limestone, Peña Aladas demands patience and time. Extended ageing, both in barrel and bottle, delivers incredible complexity: wild strawberries, floral tones, truffle, and chalky minerality. Elegant yet profound, this wine exemplifies the purity and longevity possible from the highest sites of La Aguilera.

Dominio del Aguila Canta la Perdiz

A single-vineyard bottling from 100–150-year-old vines on gravelly, well-drained soils. Canta la Perdiz offers a softer, more floral expression of Ribera, with red fruits, dried flowers and a refined tannic structure. Its graceful, almost Burgundian profile captures the elegance hidden within Ribera’s ancient terroirs.

Dominio del Aguila Albillo Blanco

One of Ribera del Duero’s pioneering white wines, Albillo Blanco is crafted from ancient vines grown on limestone. Fermented and aged in old oak, it delivers layers of citrus, orchard fruit and crushed stone minerality. Textured and precise, it showcases the hidden potential of Albillo in this historic region.