Ribera del Duero

The river Douro’s name is arguably associated with the fortified wines of Port, but the river has its origins across the Spanish border in the continental heart of Spain, where it is known as the Duero. As it flows downstream towards the Atlantic Ocean, the first vineyards it meets are those of the highly esteemed Ribera del Duero region.

This is high-altitude viticulture which means the Tempranillo grape, known locally as Tinto Fino, offers a contrasting style to Rioja. The very hot days and cold nights produce grapes with thicker skins, resulting in deeply coloured, powerfully tannic reds that are brightly fragrant and have a scintillating streak of acidity.

Vega Sicilia was one of the first to gain global recognition on Ribera del Duero’s limestone-rich soils, becoming one of Spain’s most coveted and most expensive wines. Its success has led to the influx of newcomers including Dane Peter Sisseck, whose first-ever vintage of Pingus achieved overnight fame when wine critic Robert Parker awarded it a perfect 100 points and called this debut offering “one of the greatest and most exciting wines I have ever tasted”.

Ribera del Duero is now firmly on the fine wine map and for lovers of Napa Cabernet or ripe Saint-Estèphe, this is the Tempranillo region for you.

The wines of Ribera del Duero are also classified as Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva, with the same ageing requirements as Rioja (two years, minimum one in oak for Crianza; three years with minimum one in oak for Reserva; and five years, with minimum two in oak for Gran Reserva).