Location
The Ribera del Duero DO wine region is located in the northern region of Spain and is bordered by the Cantabrian Mountains to the north and the Arlanzón River to the south. The city of Valladolid is located in this wine region, as well as other smaller cities, like Roa de Duero and Peñafiel. Nearby wine regions include Rueda, Cigales and Toro.
History
Ribera del Duero DO was established in 1982, but the region has a long history of wine production. The winemaking tradition dates back to the Phoenicians, who first planted vines in Castile and León. Ribera del Duero is located in the autonomous community of Castile and León, which is the largest geographic area of all Spain’s autonomous communities.
Climate
The Ribera del Duero region has a continental climate with long, hot summers and cold, dry winters. It’s a high altitude area where temperatures can vary widely between day and night. The Duero River moderates the temperature of the region, but it is still subject to intense heat in summer, which can sometimes have a negative effect on grapes growing on vines.
Soils
Soil may not be the first thing you think of when you uncork a bottle of Ribera del Duero wine, but it’s an important factor to consider. This is because the type of soil a vine grows in can greatly influence the flavor and quality of its grapes.
Ribera del Duero’s soils are predominantly clay, chalk and limestone; meaning they’re very poor in nutrients—although this is ideal for producing balanced wines with high acidity that age well over time. A combination of sand and loam make up smaller parts of the region’s soils.
Grape varieties
- Tempranillo
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Garnacha tinta
- Merlot
- Malbec
- Syrah
Appellations
Spain has two major classifications: Denominación de Origen (DO) and Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP). These are similar to the French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. A DO is an area with a recognized name and geographical boundary that holds certain labeling requirements for wine produced in this area. The Ribera del Duero DO falls under this category, meaning it can be labeled “Ribera del Duero” if it meets the requirements—thereby allowing it to charge more for its bottles than wines from other regions of Spain.
The Ribera del Duero is a beautiful place, consisting of a series of hills that rise and fall along a river valley. This natural beauty is what gives the region its name, as “Ribera” means riverbank in Spanish.
Famous Wines
In the Ribera del Duero, wines are named after some of the famous people who produced them. The region is situated on the banks of the Duero river, and its vineyards are among the oldest in Spain.
In 1940s, during World War II, its vines were used to produce wine for rationing purposes. It has since become known as a great place to find exceptional Bobal wines, which are named after the area’s town of Buxeda rather than after any specific person.
A recap of the wine region of Ribera del Duero DO, Spain.
So, how would you summarize Ribera del Duero?
The region is best known for its powerful and concentrated red wines made from the Tempranillo grape. It’s also in a prime location—it shares similar climate to Rioja, but has more favorable land conditions, such as better soil and irrigation. The wines are high quality, but at a lower price point than comparable regions like Bordeaux. That means it’s an affordable option for folks out there who want to try something new.
Ribera del Duero is definitely worth keeping an eye out for if you’re into your Tempranillo or fine Spanish wine in general!