Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero is one of Spain’s most prestigious and renowned red wine regions, located along the Duero River on the northern Meseta plateau. Rising more than 800 meters above sea level, the region is defined by its dramatic climate: hot days, cool nights, and a long growing season that allows grapes to ripen slowly, preserving both freshness and concentration.

Officially granted Denominación de Origen (DO) status in 1982, Ribera del Duero’s winemaking heritage dates back to Roman times. Today, the region spans over 23,000 hectares of vineyards and is home to world-famous estates such as Vega Sicilia, Pingus, Aalto, and Pesquera, shaping the identity of modern Spanish wine.

The dominant grape here is ‘Tempranillo’, locally known as ‘Tinto Fino’ or ‘Tinta del País’. It gives the wines their firm structure, rich fruit character, and remarkable longevity. Small proportions of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, ‘Merlot’, or ‘Malbec’ may complement blends, but ‘Tempranillo’ always remains the defining voice of the region.

Aromatically, Ribera del Duero wines are marked by deep notes of dark berries, plums, tobacco, and cedar, evolving with age into layers of chocolate, vanilla, and sweet spice. On the palate, they are powerful yet refined – with firm tannins, precise acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish.

The region follows a maturation classification system similar to Rioja’s – Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva – reflecting its dedication to quality, structure, and aging potential.