Bodegas Hermanos Sastre

I only want to work with people who are from the area," says Andre Tamers of his producers, "with people who represent the land." And so, it's no wonder that Andre represents Vina Sastre, a family-run winery with some of the oldest vineyards in the Ribera del Duero region. A D.O. that's named for the Rio Duero, its high alpine valleys "demand that the vines be rugged, kept free of diseases, and harvested with full ripeness before the autumn frosts," writes Andre.

With Jesus Sastre taking over the winemaking after his brother Pedro unexpectedly passed in 2002, Vina Sastre includes prime vineyards in the Burgos area, that have been in the family for three generations. "This family has deep roots in the area, with a real respect for the land," says Andre. "They've always farmed the land; Sastre works organically. He's biodynamic. He's ancestral." In addition to such organic practices in the vineyard, Vina Sastre also employs natural winemaking.

Vina Sastre includes prime vineyards in the Burgos area, that have been in the family for three generations. "This family has deep roots in the area, with a real respect for the land," says Andre Tamers of DeMaison Selections. "They've always farmed the land; Sastre works organically. He's biodynamic. He's ancestral."

Using indigenous yeast, Jesus doesn't filter nor fine his wines. And while he produces high end wines like Vina Sastre 2006 Pesus (only 150 cases!), which was awarded 100 points by Wine Enthusiast, and Vina Sastre 2005 Regina Vides, made from 80-100 year old vines and awarded 98 points, Jesus also offers more accessible bottles, like the 2007 Crianza Tempranillo which received 91 points from W. E., and stems from the same sustainable practices in the winery and vineyards.