For the last few decades, Ribera del Duero has emerged from the shadows to vie for the honour of being recognized as the greatest Spanish wine producer.
Ribera del Duero is located at the heart of Castilla y Leon with its exceptional vineyards. Vega Sicilia is its most famous wine, renowned since the nineteenth century. However, Ribera del Duero only got its DO status in the 1980's when the region began to develop its full potential. The DO appellation only includes the production of red and rosé wines.
The vineyards are settled on the elevated Meseta Central plateau, reaching 900 meters of altitude. The chalk-schist soils are optimal for vine growing. The Duero River brings water to irrigate the vineyards.
The surrounding mountains shelter the plateau against the maritime influence. Therefore, the plantations have to bear harsh conditions only tempered by the elevation. The strong sunshine gives high tannin and a dark color to the red wine. The high variation between the cool nights and the hot days is excellent for growing the common grape variety Tempranillo. The combination between elevated sites, sunshine and high diurnal temperature variation helps to lengthen the ripeness of the grape that can keep its concentration of aromas and acid.
Grape Varieties in Ribera del Duero
The vineyards grow usually only Tempranillo, also called Tinto Fino and Tinto Pais. There is a few vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, used to make strong red wines with a great ageing potential. Vega Sicilia estate grow international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot for many years. The wine estate has a deeply influential role in Ribera del Duero.
Tempranillo is used in the production of strong dark wines with stronger tannins than the Rioja wines. A Ribera Del Duero wine has to be made of at least 75% of Tempranillo. The best wines have a great ageing potential. The Joven (young) wine reveals full blackberry and mulberry flavors on the palate.
Reserva and Gran Reserva wines have to mature in oak barrels before their distribution, one year of maturation for Reserva wines and two year at least for the Gran Reserva ones. These wines combine elegant tannins with intense aromas and vanilla and sweet spices notes. The first years they have exquisite flavors of butter and cassis. With age, the wines develop notes of tobacco, plum, prune and cocoa.
Garnacha is often used in the production of rosé wines in Ribera del Duero.
Best producers in Ribera del Duero
The wine estates making the best wines in Ribera del Duero are Vega Sicilia, Bodegas Aalto, Pago de los Capellanes, Bodega Y Vinedos O. Fournier and Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez.
