Ribera Del Duero has been producing Wine for thousands of years. But, in just the last 40 to 50 years, the region has blossomed into a powerful wine producer boasting exceptional quality, views, and weather. Whether you’re planning a trip to Ribera Del Duero, or simply curious to learn more about this historic region and the wines produced there, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find everything you need to know in our Ribera Del Duero Wine Guide.
What is Ribera Del Duero?
Let’s start with the basics. Ribera Del Duero is a Spanish Denomination of Origin (DO), located approximately two and a half hours north of Madrid. The region is flat, rocky, and approximately 2500 feet above sea level. Soil structure is well suited to wine production, and the height above sea level creates a greater contrast in daily temperature highs and lows, which also assists with grape production quality. These factors combine to make Ribera Del Duero one of, if not the, premier viticulture region in Spain.
While the region is currently home to more than 250 wineries, it’s actually a somewhat young wine region that catapulted into mainstream view in the 1980s and wasn’t even recognized as a DO until 1982. This is not to say that wine was never produced in the region; wine has been produced here for thousands of years. However, it reached new levels of quality, productivity, and notoriety in the 1980s. While the region is “new” to wine enthusiasts, it’s rich in history featuring historic castles, town squares, and other exceptional forms of architecture.
What is Ribera Del Duero Wine?
As you might expect, Ribera Del Duero wine is any wine produced in the region, meets all standards and regulations, and is verified to have been produced in the region. The region is almost entirely devoted to red wine, one varietal in particular. Tempranillo makes up the vast majority of the grapes grown in Ribera Del Duero, making up 95% of the hectares planted in the region.
What is Tempranillo?
Given that such a high percentage of the grapes grown in this region are Tempranillo, “Ribera Del Duero wine” is practically synonymous with the name of this grape varietal. Tempranillo grapes are thick-skinned and hearty, leaving them well suited to the extremely dry climate and relatively extreme temperatures found in the region.
Tempranillo Wines tend to be full-bodied and complex, combining fruit-forward flavors with earth and spice notes. Common tasting notes include cherry, fig, strawberry, tobacco, minerals, and cedar. They’re generally high in tannins, acidity, and alcohol content and are frequently aged in either French or American Oak. Additionally, they are well known for aging well over substantial amounts of time, whether years or even decades.
Ribera Del Duero Wine Classifications
In addition to being designated as a wine from Ribera Del Duero, these wines are also separated by their aging process to offer wine enthusiasts a better understanding of what they are purchasing. Whether you are visiting in person or buying Ribera Del Duero online, you might see these terms on the label. We’ve highlighted these terms and what they mean below.
- Cosecha wines spend little if any time in the barrel but meet all other minimum requirements.
- Crianza indicates aging for at least 24 months with a minimum of 12 months in an oak barrel.
- Reserva wines are aged at least 36 months, with at least 12 of those months in barrel.
- Gran Reserva wines are at least five years old, two years of which must be spent in a barrel.
Tempranillo Tasting Notes
Tempranillo’s full body and savory qualities make it an easy wine to pair food with, as it has the flavor profile to match and compliment even the most flavorful dishes. Pastas, pizzas, and lasagnas all pair exceptionally well with Tempranillo. Steaks, chops, roasts, and red meats also pair well, though lighter meats run the risk of being overpowered by the wine throughout the meal. Mexican and Moroccan cuisine are also all great options to pair with Tempranillo wines.
Where to Buy Ribera Del Duero Wine
You don’t have to cross the Atlantic to enjoy a glass of Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo. We carry an excellent selection of wine from this famous Spanish region, including bottles for every budget. Visit our selection to find your new favorite Ribera Del Duero wine.
Ribera Del Duero, a wine-producing region located in the heart of Spain, has a rich and ancient history of winemaking that dates back thousands of years. However, it's in the last few decades that the region has experienced a remarkable transformation, emerging as a major player in the wine industry and producing exceptional quality wines. With its stunning landscapes, favorable weather conditions, and unique terroir, Ribera Del Duero is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and connoisseurs. Whether you're planning a trip or seeking to expand your knowledge of the region and its wines, our Ribera Del Duero Wine Guide has got you covered.
What is Ribera Del Duero?
Ribera Del Duero is a Spanish Denomination of Origin (DO) located in the northern part of the country, about two and a half hours from Madrid. The region boasts exceptional views, a unique weather system, and a soil structure that is well-suited for wine production. The region’s elevation, which is about 2,500 feet above sea level, creates a greater contrast in daily temperature highs and lows, which is perfect for grape production quality. All of these factors combine to make Ribera Del Duero one of, if not the, premier viticulture regions in Spain.
The history of winemaking in Ribera Del Duero dates back thousands of years, and the region has been producing wines for centuries. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that Ribera Del Duero became a mainstream wine producer, and it was only in 1982 that it was recognized as a DO. Despite being a young wine region, Ribera Del Duero quickly gained notoriety for its high-quality wines, productivity, and exceptional flavors.
The region is currently home to more than 250 wineries, and each one offers a unique wine-tasting experience. Wineries in Ribera Del Duero produce some of the world's most respected wines, and the region is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.
Ribera Del Duero Wine
When it comes to the flavors of Ribera del Duero wines, the region is known for producing wines that are rich and full-bodied, with a wide range of fruit and spice flavors. In addition to the red fruit flavors mentioned earlier, Ribera del Duero wines can also have notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and tobacco. The oak barrels used in the aging process can impart flavors of cedar, toast, and leather.
Overall, Ribera del Duero wines are known for their depth, complexity, and balance. They are often described as bold and powerful, with a strong structure and firm tannins. These wines are a great choice for wine lovers who enjoy big, robust red wines that are meant to be savored and appreciated over time.
The region is almost entirely devoted to red wine, one varietal in particular. Tempranillo makes up the vast majority of the grapes grown in Ribera Del Duero, making up 95% of the hectares planted in the region.
What is Tempranillo?
One of the key factors behind the region's success is the use of Tempranillo grapes, which are the dominant grape variety grown in Ribera del Duero.
Tempranillo is a thick-skinned grape that is well-suited to the harsh, arid climate of the Ribera del Duero region. The grape is known for producing wines that are full-bodied, with a deep ruby color, and high tannins. The flavor profile of Tempranillo can vary depending on the winemaking process but typically includes notes of red and dark fruit, such as cherries, plums, and blackberries.
While Tempranillo is the star of the Ribera del Duero region, it is not the only grape variety used in winemaking. Other grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, are also used to add complexity and depth to the wines. These grapes are often blended with Tempranillo to create unique flavor profiles.
Known locally as Tinto Fino or Tinta del País, Tempranillo grapes are popular in part due to their ability to age well. The grape has high tannin levels, which helps allow it to be aged for long periods of time without losing its flavor or structure. In fact, some of the best Tempranillo wines from Ribera del Duero are aged for several years before they are released to the market. During this time, the wine develops a more complex flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, tobacco, and leather.
Ribera Del Duero Wine Classifications and Aging Requirements
In Ribera del Duero, Tempranillo is used to produce four different classifications of wine, which are based on the aging process: Cosecha, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. Each of these classifications requires a different amount of aging, resulting in wines with different flavor profiles and levels of complexity. Below, we’ve outlined the requirements for each classification, common tasting characteristics, and other notable attributes that are common in that classification.
- Cosecha is the youngest of the Ribera del Duero classifications and is used for wines that spend little or no time in oak barrels but meet all other minimum requirements. Cosecha wines are typically young, bright, and fruit-forward, with minimal oak influence, making them perfect for everyday drinking. They are generally deep ruby in color, with intense aromas of red and black fruit, spice, and floral notes. On the palate, Cosecha wines tend to have a medium body, with a well-balanced acidity, and flavors of red berries, plum, and hints of vanilla.
- Crianza is the second classification of Ribera del Duero wine, requiring a minimum of 24 months of aging, with at least 12 months in an oak barrel. The remaining aging time is spent in the bottle. This longer aging process gives Crianza wines a more complex and intense flavor profile than Cosecha wines. Crianza wines tend to have a medium body, with a well-integrated oak flavor, and a good balance of fruit and acidity. On the palate, Crianza wines tend to have a longer finish, with flavors of dark fruit, earth, and oak.
- Reserva is the third classification of Ribera del Duero wine, requiring a minimum of 36 months of aging, with at least 12 months in an oak barrel. The remaining aging time is spent in the bottle. Reserva wines are typically full-bodied and complex, with well-developed flavors of fruit, oak, and spice. They are deeper in color than Crianza wines, with a more intense aroma of dark fruit, vanilla, and smoke. On the palate, Reserva wines tend to be rich and concentrated, with a long finish, flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and hints of chocolate.
- Gran Reserva is the highest classification of Ribera del Duero wine, requiring wines to be at least five years old, with a minimum of two years spent in an oak barrel. The remaining aging time is spent in the bottle. Gran Reserva wines are the most complex and full-bodied of the Ribera del Duero wines, with intense flavors of fruit, oak, and spice. They are also the most expensive due to the extended aging process. Gran Reserva wines are often ruby in color, with aromas of ripe red and black fruit, tobacco, and cedar. On the palate, they tend to be full-bodied, with a long finish, and flavors of black cherry, vanilla, and cinnamon.
The different classifications of Ribera del Duero wine offer wine enthusiasts a better understanding of what they are purchasing. Each classification has specific requirements for aging, oak barrels, and flavor profiles, making them distinct and unique from each other. Whether you prefer the bright and fruity flavors of Cosecha, the well-balanced acidity of Crianza, the complex flavors of Reserva, or the intense and bold flavors of Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero wine is sure to provide a unique and memorable wine-drinking experience.
Comparing Ribera Del Duero and Rioja
When it comes to Spanish wine regions, Ribera del Duero and Rioja are two of the most prominent and highly regarded. Both regions have a long history of winemaking and produce high-quality wines, but they have some differences in terms of grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and flavor profiles. We’ve provided a breakdown of how these regions compare below.
Grape Varieties in Ribera Del Duero vs. Rioja
One of the key differences between Ribera del Duero and Rioja is the grape varieties used in winemaking. Ribera del Duero is primarily known for wines made from the Tempranillo grape, with small amounts of other red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec allowed in blends. In contrast, Rioja uses a wider range of grapes, including Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. The use of Garnacha and Mazuelo in Rioja blends gives these wines a more fruit-forward character, while the Tempranillo-dominant Ribera del Duero wines tend to be more structured and tannic.
Winemaking Techniques in Ribera Del Duero vs. Rioja
Another difference between Ribera del Duero and Rioja is the winemaking techniques used in each region. In Rioja, wines are often aged in American oak barrels, which impart a distinct vanilla and coconut flavor to the wine. In Ribera del Duero, wines are typically aged in French oak barrels, which provide more subtle flavors of spice and toast. Additionally, Ribera del Duero wines tend to spend more time in oak than Rioja wines, which can result in a more pronounced oak flavor.
Comparing Rioja and Ribera Del Duero Wine Flavor Profiles
The flavor profiles of Ribera del Duero and Rioja wines also differ. Ribera del Duero wines are known for their full-bodied, robust character, with flavors of black fruit, spice, and vanilla from the oak aging. These wines often have high tannins and acidity, which gives them a firm structure and allows them to age well. Rioja wines, on the other hand, tend to be lighter in body and more fruit-forward, with flavors of red fruit, vanilla, and spice. Rioja wines can also have a slightly earthy or leathery quality, which is a result of the use of Garnacha and Mazuelo grapes.
Our Favorite Tempranillo Wines From Ribera Del Duero
Flor de Pingus 2019
Flor de Pingus 2019 is a highly-rated red wine from Spain, receiving a 94 from Rober Parker’s The Wine Advocate. This vintage offers intense aromas of black fruits, cocoa, and vanilla, with hints of tobacco and spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a well-structured and balanced tannin profile, and flavors of ripe blackberry and black cherry, with a long, lingering finish. This wine is an excellent example of the quality that can be achieved with Tempranillo grapes from the Ribera Del Duero region, and it pairs well with grilled meats, stews, and hard cheeses.
Dominio del Águíla Reserva 2018
The Dominio del Aguila Reserva 2018 is a bold and complex wine produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes. The vintage is relatively young, but the wine is already showing great depth and character. On the nose, there are notes of black cherry, blackberry, and vanilla, while on the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety with flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and chocolate. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, and the finish is long and satisfying. This wine is perfect for pairing with hearty meat dishes like grilled lamb or roasted beef. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a delicious sipping wine.
Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5° Proof 2017
Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5° Proof 2017 is a classic and elegant red wine made from a blend of Tempranillo, Merlot, and Malbec grapes, harvested in 2017. It has a deep ruby color with a bouquet of black cherry, plum, and tobacco, followed by hints of vanilla and oak. On the palate, this full-bodied wine is rich and intense, with firm tannins and flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee, along with a touch of spice. It has a long, persistent finish with a lingering smoky note. This wine is a perfect representation of the quality and character that Ribera del Duero wines are known for, and it will age gracefully for years to come.
These three are just a few of many offered in our extensive selection. We carry a diverse selection of wine from this famous Spanish region, including bottles for every budget. Visit our selection to find your new favorite Ribera Del Duero wine.
