There Ribera del Duero is a name that resonates in the ears of all lovers of spanish wines The appellation is in fact one of the most renowned in the whole country and impresses with its capacity to produce very great wines red .
But then, what is the story of this Iberian wine jewel? What are its grape varieties ? What are THE terroirs of this great appellation and above all, what to expect in tasting ?
Follow the guide and at the end of this reading, you will know everything about wines from the Ribera del Duero!
History of the Ribera del Duero appellation
The wine history of Ribera del Duero dates back to Antiquity , period during which Roman colonists planted the very first vines along the banks of the Duero River. Wine residues dating back to more than 2,500 years have in fact been identified within the municipality of Peñafiel (west of the appellation), on the archaeological site of Pintia.
Furthermore, a vast roman mosaic illustrating wine consumption was also discovered in 1972 in the town of Baños de Valdearados, thus confirming that the region's wine history goes back several millennia.
However, it was only at Middle Ages that regional viticulture really took off thanks to the influence of monks Cistercians and Benedictines. The latter in fact developed the first vineyards around their monasteries.
In the 13th century, the first cellars appear. Wine and vines then become increasingly important elements in the economic and cultural development of the Ribera del Duero.
At 15th century , certain laws, in particular the Ordinances of Castile , are created in order to better control wine production.
Over the centuries, vine cultivation continued to take root in the region, shaping its landscape and identity.
The official creation of the appellation Ribera Del Duero is much more recent. It was only in 1982 , following the initiative of a group of winegrowers, which the Ministry of Agriculture officially recognizes there DO Ribera del Duero (Denominación (from Origins) .
Since then, the vineyard has continued to develop, passing from 7,000 hectares at the time of its creation to more than 26,000 hectares in 2024 The quality of wines has also improved considerably in recent decades, favoring remarkable economic growth and global recognition.
Today, The quality of Ribera del Duero wines is in fact established throughout the world. and the reputation of the appellation and its more than 300 domains is no longer to be done with amateurs.
Wines from the Ribera del Duero appellation
Let's say it right away, the Ribera del Duero is above all a name of red wines . Indeed, if whites And rosés are also produced, but in very small quantities, and it is therefore the reds that forge the region's worldwide reputation.These latter indeed present remarkable power and elegance .
The red wines of Ribera del Duero are mainly made from grape variety Tempranillo , known locally as Tinto fino And Country ink . This one represents in fact 75% of the vineyard and defines the typicality of the vintages.
Having a thick skin and presenting u medium acidity In tasting, Tempranillo allows the production of powerful wines , colorful and tannic . Its markers The most common are aromas of ripe red and black fruits as well as spicy notes.
Other red grape varieties are also planted in Ribera del Duero, such as Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot , Malbec And Grenache However, Tempranillo must make up at least 75% of the red wines of the DO and the other varieties are therefore very much in the minority.
Concerning the rosés of the region, these must be produced from the 5 red grape varieties previously mentioned. These are fresh and gourmet wines generally presenting pleasant fruity notes focused on strawberry and raspberry.
Finally, side white wine , the variety to remember is The Albillo Mayor The latter allows the production of rather aromatic wines expressing notes of peach, citrus, apple and apricot and having an average acidity.
Wine aging in the Ribera del Duero
But let's get back to the red wines of Ribera del Duero! Powerful and with great aging potential, these are regularly aged in oak barrels , thus allowing temper their tannic strength but also add an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
The duration of these breedings is also subject to control by the Spanish authorities and allows the following mentions to be affixed: Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva . Here is a quick description of what to expect when tasting for each of these indications.
- Wines with the mention " Young » are of the wines aged little or not at all in barrels and essentially highlighting of the fruity notes . No minimum period of storage in barrels or bottles is required here.
- Wines bearing the mention " Childhood » must be raised for at least minimum two years , including at least one year in oak barrels. The "Crianza" therefore generally have fruity aromas but also notes wooded (oak, vanilla, clove, licorice etc.).
- Wines with the mention " Reserve » must undergo a minimum total aging in barrels and bottles of three years Of these three years, at least one year must be spent in barrels, supplemented by 6 months in bottles.The bottles in this category are wines for laying down complexes presenting a great aromatic richness (fruity, woody but also tertiary notes like leather, tobacco or truffle).
- Finally, red wines " Gran Reserva » represent the wine elite of the region and are only produced in the best vintages. These exceptional bottles must have a minimum total breeding of 5 years , including 2 years in barrels and 2 years in bottle. The "Gran Reserva" are great wines for storage presenting an incredible aromatic richness.
Summary table of breeding mentions in Spain
Climate and terroirs of the Ribera del Duero
The climate in the Ribera del Duero is characterized by a strong continentality as well as important thermal amplitudes . Winters are therefore very cold (down to -20°C) while summers are particularly hot and dry (40°C and above). Annual rainfall is also very low (less than 400mm per year).
Another important point is that the region's vines are located at high altitudes: between 720m and sometimes more than 1000m above the sea. The Ribera del Duero is in fact one of the highest vineyards in the northern hemisphere!
From a terroir point of view, the soils are mainly clay-limestone , offering ideal conditions for growing vines.
All these factors combined allow slow and regular ripening of the grapes , thus preserving their freshness and acidity.
What to eat with Ribera del Duero wines ?
The red wines of Ribera del Duero are powerful, tannic and rich in flavor, so they are generally paired with red meat .
The region’s vintages in fact go particularly well with grilled or roasted meats, such as lamb, beef and game . Traditional Spanish dishes such as cochinillo (roast suckling pig) and the grilled lamb (roast lamb) are excellent pairings for example.
On the cheese side, Manchegos and mature cheddars or of aged pecorino can pair well with Ribera del Duero red wines due to their intensity and character. However, it is always wise to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds!
The best wines of Ribera del Duero
In conclusion, the Ribera del Duero appellation, with its deep and expressive red wines, is a figurehead of Spanish viticulture.
Among the most renowned areas in the region, we recommend in particular: Bodegas Protos which stand out for their history as well as the quality of their wines.Their vintages are indeed a great way to learn about regional wine pleasures.
Health, and above all, do not hesitate to call on The Illuminated Cellar if you need advice!
