It’s now 40 years ago since the Ribera del Duero Denomination of Origin was created. So first things first, what exactly is a denomination of origin? Well to put it simply it is a legal designation that protects the geographical status where products are manufactured. The name itself came about due to proximity of the area to the Duero River, which runs through Spain and Portugal for some 897 km!
The denomination began with just a dozen wineries and cooperatives, but currently has more than 300 members. It is a favourite of many wine drinkers (including us!) and we believe the secret of its success lies mainly in the quality of its wines.
The History
The first Ribera del Duero regulations were signed at the Retiro Metro Station in Madrid on the 21st July 1982. 40 years later and there are now more than 300 wineries and 7,800 winegrowers.
The Location
Ribera del Duero is made up of four provinces in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León: Burgos, Soria, Segovia and Valladolid, located on the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. This wine region is kept alive and rejuvenated by the Duero River. The substrate was formed during the Miocene era 5-23 million years ago. It is comprised of small pebbles, sandstone, clay and limestone composites, which result in a great diversity of soil types. The area experiences very hot days in the summer and freezing nights in the winter and spring. All of this combines to produce extraordinary quality grapes.
The Grape
Quite simply the most famous grape in this denomination is the Tempranillo, otherwise known as the Tinta Fina, in Ribera del Duero According to the denomination regulations, every Ribera del Duero wine must contain at least 75% Tinta Fina (tempranillo). It can be accompanied by other permitted varieties like the Garnacha Tinta, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Ribera del Duero is well known for making great red wines. But since 2020, the denomination has also recognised the Albillo Mayor variety to make white wines.
