Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero wines

Literally translated: the banks of the Duero, a unique wine region divided in two by the Duero River. Much of the water used to irrigate the grapevines originates here. Located about 120 kilometers north of Madrid, this wine-growing region covers 20,000 hectares. Exclusive red wines are produced here that easily rival the great Riojas.

Extreme climate in the Ribera del Duero region

Cold winters and dry, hot summers. Ribera del Duero is nestled between two mountain ranges, resulting in an extreme climate. Temperatures fluctuate annually between minus 18 degrees Celsius in winter and 40 degrees Celsius in summer. Far from easy, but with the right care, the grapes develop complex aromas and retain their acidity.

The well-known Spanish grape varieties

The most important grape is by far the Tempranillo. It is by far the most widely grown grape in the region and is also known as tinto fino or tino pais. These are powerful wines with aromas of black fruit. This grape represents 85 percent of the total plantings. In the equally well-known Rioja, for example, this grape requires extensive support from other varieties, but thanks to the ideal altitude and soil composition in this unique region, Tempranillo produces fine and complex wines. Garnache is used for the rosé wines, and Albillo is the only white grape in this region.

The world-famous winery Vega Sicilia

While there are significant differences with Rioja, the wines share much in common. Both regions produce wines designed for long aging, which involves complex vinification. This results in intense and extreme wines rooted in the limestone soils. The world-renowned Vega Sicilia winery has been producing high-quality wines here since the 19th century. They were among the first to discover the region's qualities. Ribera del Duero boasts an ideal location in many respects. The region is situated at a very high altitude and has soil rich in limestone. The winemakers are obligated to carefully monitor their grapes, resulting in excellent, balanced wines.

High-quality Spanish wines

The quality of the rich Ribera del Duero wines is, of course, due to the limestone and chalk. In the west, over a third consists of these two, while in the east, it comprises more than half. The region comprises four provinces: Burgos, Soria, Segovia, and Valladolid. Another renowned winery that takes full advantage of the fertile land is the Pesquera winery. Their Crianza is a true classic with a sweet and appealing fruit character. The nearby Tamaral winery is one of the few producers to demonstrate that white grape varieties also thrive in Ribera del Duero. The Tamaral Rueda Verdejo captivates you from the moment you open the bottle. A characteristic aroma greets you, a Verdejo in its purest form. High quality, floral aromas, and a wonderful tropical flavor. Many a wine lover's heart will beat faster when they visit this diverse region. Not only the finest reds, but also white grape varieties find a home in the rolling hills of this landscape.