Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero: Spain's Powerhouse of Red Wines
Ribera del Duero, located northwest of Madrid in the Castilla y León region, is renowned for its robust and full-bodied red wines. This wine region, established in 1971, has seen significant growth in recent decades and is now a major player in the Spanish wine scene.
Grapes of Ribera del Duero
Tempranillo, also known locally as Tinta del País or Tinto Fino, is the undisputed king of Ribera del Duero. This grape thrives in the region's hot days, cool nights, and high altitude vineyards, producing wines with intense color, firm tannins, and rich black fruit flavors. While Tempranillo dominates, other red grape varieties are also permitted in smaller quantities, including:
Cabernet Sauvignon: Adding structure and elegance to blends.
Merlot: Offering a touch of softness and plummy notes.
Malbec: Contributing juicy fruit and roundness.
Garnacha Tinta: Used sparingly, Garnacha provides lighter body and higher acidity.
White grapes are a minor presence in Ribera del Duero, with Albillo being the most notable.
Main Wineries of Ribera del Duero
With over 300 wineries in the region, Ribera del Duero boasts a wide range of producers. Here are a few of the most prominent:
Vega Sicilia: A legendary winery established in the late 19th century, Vega Sicilia produces some of Spain's most collectible and prestigious wines.
Pingus: A modern powerhouse founded in 1995 by Danish vintner Peter Sisseck, Pingus is known for its intensely concentrated and age-worthy Tempranillo wines.
Bodegas Pesquera: This family-owned winery, established in the 1970s, played a pivotal role in putting Ribera del Duero on the map with its bold and expressive wines.
Bodegas Alejandro Fernández: Founded in 1970, Alejandro Fernández is known for its innovative approach and use of French oak aging to create modern and elegant Ribera del Duero wines.
Dominio de Atauta: A highly regarded winery established in 1991, Dominio de Atauta focuses on single-vineyard Tempranillo wines showcasing the terroir of Ribera del Duero.
This list just scratches the surface of the many excellent wineries in Ribera del Duero. Exploring the diverse offerings from these producers allows you to discover the unique power and character of Ribera del Duero wines.