Wine Region Profile: Ribera del Duero, Spain

Ribera del Duero counts among the most famous Spanish wine regions. Located in the heart of the country, it is home to some of the most exquisite red wines in the world. The region lies along the Duero River, which flows from its source in the mountains of Spain to its mouth in Portugal, and is home to a number of exceptional wineries that produce wines of remarkable quality. 

History of the Ribera del Duero 

The DO Ribera del Duero is found in the autonomous community of Castilla y Leon, in Spain’s northern central region. The region is approximately 70 miles long and 15 miles wide, with an elevation that ranges from 2,000 to 2,600 feet above sea level. The climate in Ribera del Duero is characterized by long, hot summers and cold, dry winters, which are perfect for the production of red wines. 

The history of winemaking in Ribera del Duero dates back to the Roman Empire when the region first cultivated grapes for wine production. In modern times, Ribera del Duero as a whole gained recognition as a top wine region in the 1980s, however Vega Sicilia has been a renowned producer of high-quality wines for over a century. In fact, Vega Sicilia is often cited as one of the pioneers of the modern Ribera del Duero wine industry. 

Vega Sicilia's flagship wine, the Único, is considered one of Spain's most iconic wines and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The wine is made primarily from Tempranillo grapes and is aged for a minimum of 10 years before being released. The result is a wine that is complex, elegant, and full-bodied, with a flavor profile that is both fruity and savory. Beyond Vega, in the 1980s Ribera del Duero started to gain recognition as a top wine region. Today, Ribera counts 270 wineries that produce wines of exceptional quality. 

Grape Varieties of Ribera del Duero 

When you order wine, it’s important to know that the most common grape variety grown in Ribera del Duero is the Tempranillo grape, which is also known locally as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais. This thick-skinned grape is well-suited to the region's climate and produces wines that are rich in color, full-bodied, and complex. Other grape varieties grown in Ribera del Duero include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. 

One of the unique features of Ribera del Duero is the aging process of its wines. Ribera del Duero wines are often aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year, with some wines being aged for up to three years or more. This aging process gives the wines a rich, complex flavor profile that is highly sought after by wine enthusiasts. 

The Ribera del Duero wine region is divided into three sub-regions: the western part, the central part, and the eastern part. The western part is characterized by its clay soils and produces wines that are softer and fruitier in flavor. The central part is known for its limestone soils and produces wines that are more structured and full-bodied. The eastern part is characterized by its sandy soils and produces wines that are lighter and more aromatic. 

Famous Wine of Ribera del Duero 

When you buy red wine online, look for some of the most famous wineries in Ribera del Duero, including Vega Sicilia, Dominio de Pingus, and Bodegas Emilio Moro. These wineries are known for producing some of the most exceptional wines in the region and have gained international recognition for their quality. 

In all, Ribera del Duero is a wine region that is steeped in history and produces some of the finest red wines in the world. With its unique climate, diverse soils, and exceptional wineries, Ribera del Duero is a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice, the wines of Ribera del Duero will impress you. 

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