D.O RIBERA DEL DUERO

The history

The Ribera del Duero appellation was created in 1982, but winemaking in the region dates back more than 2,000 years. Today it is one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, recognised worldwide for the quality and personality of its Tempranillo-based wines.

Location

Ribera del Duero is located in Castilla y León, on Spain’s northern plateau, along the upper section of the Duero River.

The appellation covers vineyards in four provinces: Burgos, Valladolid, Segovia and Soria, at altitudes between 800 and 1,000 metres, making it one of the highest winegrowing regions in Europe.

Climate and terroir

The region has an extreme continental climate: cold winters, hot summers, long dry periods and strong temperature shifts between day and night. These conditions limit yields naturally and allow a slow, balanced ripening, giving wines depth, freshness and structure.

The soils are diverse: clay, limestone, sandy layers, gravel and stones. They offer excellent drainage, contributing to concentrated, age-worthy wines.

Varieties

The flagship grape is Tempranillo, locally called Tinto Fino or Tinta del País. It is perfectly adapted to this high-altitude environment and produces wines with deep colour, vibrant acidity and refined tannins.

Other authorised varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha Tinta and Albillo Mayor, the region’s historic white grape.

Types of Wines by Ageing

Rosé Wines: Fresh, aromatic wines made with little skin contact, meant to be enjoyed young.

Unoaked Red Wines: Red wines with no oak or less than 12 months in barrel. Fruity and expressive, released shortly after harvest.

Crianza: Aged at least 12 months in oak. Released from 1 October of the second year after harvest.

Reserva: Aged a minimum of 36 months, including at least 12 in oak. Released from 1 December of the third year after harvest.

Gran Reserva: Produced only in exceptional vintages. Aged at least 60 months (24 in oak + 36 in bottle). Released from 1 December of the fifth year after harvest.