Shining the Spotlight on Ribera del Duero

One of the main reasons this region is so distinctive is due to the somewhat rare climatic conditions Ribera del Duero endures. The region experiences a generally continental climate accompanied by extreme temperature fluctuations, which really put the vines to the test. Over summer months temperatures can reach scorching highs of 40 degrees during the daytime with very little rainfall, followed by harsh winters and bitterly cold temperatures of -20 degrees. These extremes create completely unique conditions which are really what make the wines from this region so interesting.

The grapes remain small due to the limited rainfall and the skins become thick to help protect them until harvest from the drop in temperature. With temperatures fluctuating up to 50 degrees in a single day, the ripening process is slowed allowing for softer, suppler tannins to be formed. As a result the wines produced in this region are often very approachable in their youth, yet also wonderfully age worthy. So whether you are a fan of fresh, young reds or rich, powerful ones that have been aged to perfection, you’re bound to find a wine here to suit your palate.

Tempranillo is the top dog here, referred to locally as Tinto Fino or Tinto Pais, and it thrives in these conditions. This is just as well really as the DO regulations here mean this grape variety must account for at least 75% of any red wine produced, with the balance commonly made up of other bold reds, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Garnacha Tinta.

Alternating layers of sandy silt and clay can be found, combined with layers of limestone and chalky concretions. Each element adds an extra layer of interest to the wine creating a well-rounded palate. The clay soils help to retain water and add structure and character to the wine, whilst the limestone adds elegance and complexity, and the stony areas help to add maturity and sweetness. This unique mosaic of soils combined with the extreme weather conditions create a terroir unlike any other.

With such a long history of winemaking in this part of the world, it may come as no surprise that the region is home to an abundance of old vines. In fact, around 95% of vines in the region are Tempranillo and 35% of these are at least 25 years old, with some over 100 years old! These older vines have very deep roots that bury themselves into the soil to find water and nutrients, which is particularly important due to the drought-like conditions vines can experience in this region.

These older vines produce lower yields with very small fruits, meaning the grapes have more concentrated sugars and flavours, resulting in much richer and fuller-bodied wines with great complexity. This makes the wines the perfect candidates for ageing, allowing the tannins to soften and the wine to develop tertiary aromas and flavours.

When Ribera del Duero was granted DO status back in 1982, strict ageing requirements were implemented in the region in order to help control the quality of the wines produced. As a result, wines here must be labelled correctly to show the length of time they have spent ageing. There are four categories classified under the DO, with the minimum ageing requirements increasing with each classification:

• Joven or Roble refers to young wines that have not met the minimum ageing requirements but have been produced in accordance with the other classification requirements.
• Crianza wines are subject to the shortest minimum ageing requirements with at least two years required, one of which must be in oak.
• Reserva refers to those aged for a minimum of three years, with at least one in oak.
• Gran Reserva refers to those aged for the longest period of time with a minimum of five years before release and a minimum of two of those in oak.

These ageing requirements result in wines with differing characteristics, with those aged for the longest periods of time often being amongst the most sought after and considered the most premium. However, it really depends on your preferred style of wine.

One thing that really makes this region stand out above all others is the dedication of its winemakers. Although there are a few big players in the region, most wineries here are small, family owned operations, with over half of them producing less than 9,000 cases annually. This focus on quality over quantity is hugely important in Ribera del Duero and winemakers here really do pride themselves on making sure every bottle produced is next level. Many use traditional winemaking practises that have been passed down through generations, such as harvesting the grapes by hand, as well as opting for traditional fermentation techniques that add to the quality of these wines.

The great news is that despite Ribera del Duero’s reputation for fine wine and hugely talented winemakers, prices here have remained affordable and accessible, making them a great option if you’re looking for fine Spanish wine without the hefty price tag. Although, with the popularity of wines from this region still increasing, prices are only going to go one way in the future so get that rack stocked up now! After all, most wines from this region will happily age in the bottle for many years.

And there we have it, an exciting region that has so much to offer. If you have been inspired to find out more about Ribera del Duero, or fancy trying a bottle or two then head over to the link below.