Pago de Santa Cruz
Viña Sastre | Ribera del Duero
"The ultimate expression of the La Horra terroir: a single-vineyard wine born from vines over 65 years old, balancing power, minerality, and aristocratic elegance."
The Legacy of Hermanos Sastre
Pago de Santa Cruz is not just a wine; it is the liquid testimony of an exceptional plot located in the heart of the Burgos D.O. Ribera del Duero. Crafted by the Hermanos Sastre family, this red is an absolute benchmark for minimal intervention viticulture in Spain.
Cultivated following biodynamic cycles in clay-limestone soils, the roots of these Tinta del País vines (a local variant of Tempranillo detailed by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture) delve deep into the earth to extract a mineral essence that defines its longevity. It is an unfiltered wine, respectful of its origin, and endowed with an untamed yet sophisticated character.
Technical Sheet and Style
- Varietal: 100% Tinta del País
- Aging: 18 months in American Oak
- Vineyard Age: +65 years
- Viticulture: Biodynamic / Organic
- Body: Robust and Fleshy
- Potential: 15-20 years
Sommelier's Sensory Experience
Appearance: Presents an intense, almost impenetrable, cherry-red color with violet rims that denote its excellent health. Its tears are dense and stained.
Nose: A display of very ripe black fruits intertwined with notes of chalk, wet stone, and incense. According to prestigious guides such as Guía Peñín, this wine consistently stands out for its balsamic complexity.
Palate: Fleshy and expansive on entry. The tannins are fine-grained and perfectly integrated. Its passage through the mouth is long, with a mineral aftertaste that evokes the terroir of La Horra, one of the region's noblest areas according to the Ribera del Duero Wine Route Consortium.
Pairing Guide
The structure of this Pago demands dishes with high flavor intensity, following the recommendations of Professional Sommellerie:
- Red Meats: Grilled aged rib-eye or ox chop.
- Game: Braised partridge or venison tenderloin with red fruit sauce.
- Traditional Dishes: Castilian-style roasted suckling lamb.
- Cheeses: Aged sheep cheese or characterful blue cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pago de Santa Cruz
Is it necessary to decant this wine?
Yes, absolutely. Being a high-expression wine, it needs oxygen to open up. It is recommended to follow professional aeration techniques such as those described in Decanter.
What does "Vino de Pago" mean?
It means it comes from a plot with a unique microclimate and soils. In Spain, this concept is regulated under the quality law of the OIV and the system of Designations of Origin.
Do you ship Viña Sastre to all of Mexico?
Yes, at La Cava Shop, we ship this and other Ribera del Duero gems throughout the Mexican Republic.