Ribera del Duero is a Certificated Origin, in Spanish ”Denominación de Origen” (D.O.) for wines located in the country’s northern plateau and is one of eleven ‘quality wine’ regions within the autonomous community of Castile and León. It is also one of several recognised wine-producing regions to be found along the course of the Duero river.
The region is characterised by a largely flat, rocky terrain and is centred on the town of Aranda de Duero, although the most famous vineyards surround Peñafiel and Roa de Duero to the west, where the regional regulatory council is based.
The wines of the D.O. Ribera del Duero are mainly reds, although there are also rosés. The most characteristic grape variety is the so-called “Tinta del país“, known in the wine world as Tempranillo, which constitutes more than 90% of the production. According to the regulations of the Regulatory Council, for a wine to qualify for the appellation of origin it must include at least 75% of Tempranillo in its preparation. In total, no less than 95% of the grapes must be Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Garnacha and Albillo grapes are allowed, but in small quantities.
There are other similarities between Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Whereas the wines are quite distinctive as a result of significant differences in terroir, both regions produce wines selected for long aging with highly complex vinification procedures, producing intense, extremely long-lived wines emanating from largely limestone soils. Wines are classified as much for their longevity as their grape quality, and Ribera del Duero produces some extremely well-aging wines. The aging requirements for Ribera del Duero are the same used in Rioja. Wines labelled as “Crianza” must age two years with 12 months in oak barrels. “Reserva” wines must be aged at least three years with at least 12 months in oak barrels. The “Gran Reserva” labelled wines must spend 5 years aging prior to release, two being in oak barrels.
As a summary of traditional wines characteristics, let´s mention:
Tinto Joven (Young Red).
Visual phase
It shows a very intense cherry red with important bluish, indigo, violet and purple rims. Light ruby shades, with great intensity of colour, very vivid.
Olfactory phase
The nose has accentuated and dense primary aromas, in the range of ripe fruit and wild berries (blackberry, blackberry, raspberry, …).
Gustatory phase
Broad on the palate and full of flavours. It offers an important tannic contribution, complemented with a balanced acidity that confers vividness.
Crianza
Visual phase
Presents colours that evolve from a deep intense cherry to red cherry. On an intense fruit base, its aromas are combined with the nuances of noble woods, ranging from spicy vanilla, liquorice or clove, to roasted and roasted.
Gustatory phase
In the mouth it is fleshy. structured and round. Balanced tannic component, its palate is velvety, full of flavours, showing a broad persistence and potent retro nasal.
Reserva
Visual phase
Of slow chromatic evolution and intense layer, their tonalities vary from cherry red to ruby red.
Olfactory phase
Intense and elegant. It has deep aromas of overripe and candied fruit combined with others such as leather, musks, minerals and balsamic.
Gustatory phase
Meaty, powerful and balanced, it is broad and robust on the palate. Long and persistent retronasal path that enhances the aromas of aging.
Gran Reserva
Visual phase
High layer with cherry red base, appreciating a wide range of tonalities: from red garnet to ruby, being able to observe shades of tile in thin layer.
Olfactory phase
On a basis of compote fruits, it presents complex aromas of all the series. The tertiary aromas acquired during aging suggest a wide range of nuances: toasted, noble woods, spices, game …
Gustatory phase
Its firm structure and great balance enhances the persistence and elegance of this wine. Despite the time elapsed, it maintains an evident vividness and harmony that confirm its proven longevity.Highlights in violet tones in thin layer that show even nuances of youth.
Olfactory phase
On an intense fruit base, its aromas are combined with the nuances of noble woods, ranging from spicy vanilla, liquorice or clove, to roasted and roasted.
Gustatory phase
In the mouth it is fleshy. structured and round. Balanced tannic component, its palate is velvety, full of flavours, showing a broad persistence and potent retro nasal.
Reserva
Visual phase
Of slow chromatic evolution and intense layer, their tonalities vary from cherry red to ruby red.
Olfactory phase
Intense and elegant. It has deep aromas of overripe and candied fruit combined with others such as leather, musks, minerals and balsamic.
Gustatory phase
Meaty, powerful and balanced, it is broad and robust on the palate. Long and persistent retronasal path that enhances the aromas of aging.
Gran Reserva
Visual phase
High layer with cherry red base, appreciating a wide range of tonalities: from red garnet to ruby, being able to observe shades of tile in thin layer.
Olfactory phase
On a basis of compote fruits, it presents complex aromas of all the series. The tertiary aromas acquired during aging suggest a wide range of nuances: toasted, noble woods, spices, game …
Gustatory phase
Its firm structure and great balance enhances the persistence and elegance of this wine. Despite the time elapsed, it maintains an evident vividness and harmony that confirm its proven longevity.
