One of the most important red wine producing regions in Spain, Ribera del Duero. Located in the northwest of the country in the center of Castilla y León. In Spanish Ribera del Duero means Bank of the Duero River; same river becomes the Douro which is the famous for the Port River in Portugal popular for its fortified Port wines. Ribera del Duero received its Denominación de Origen (DO) status in 1982. Approximately 95% of the vineyards are planted with Tempranillo also known as Tinta de País or Tinto Fino, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot which are primary varietals as well.
To be recognized as DO must contain 100% Tempranillo. Blends may contain 75% of Tempranillo and 25% of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec. No more than 5% Albillo or Garnacha. The rose must contain 50% of region’s authorized red varieties.
The main growing areas in this region include:
Valladolid
Burgos
Segovia
Soria
Rules of Ribera del Duero
→ According to the “Consejo Regulador de la Denominación de Origen Ribera del Duero (Board of the Regulatory Council)
● Vin Joven (tinto joven): Rarely aged in oak and must be consumed right away.
● Crianza: The red wines must age at least 1 year in oak barrels.
● Reserva: The wines must age at least 1 year in oak barrels and two years in the bottle.
● Gran Reserva: The wines must age for more than 2 years in oak barrels and more than 3 in the bottle.
● Rose (pink): Requires 2 years, at least 6 months in oak barrels
