Ribera del Duero is a DO wine region located along the Duero river.
The majority of Ribera del Duero wines are 100 percent Tempranillo.
Red Cherry |
Black Cherry |
Raspberry |
Blackberry |
Blueberry |
Plum |
Spices |
Herbs |
Oak |
Cocoa |
Tobacco |
Cinnamon |
Cherries, Red and Black Berries, and Plum are typical flavors.
Hints of Herbs and Spices (Licorice, Anise).
French oak is the traditional choice for oaking .
DOCa | DenominaciĆ³n de Origen Calificada |
Rioja | Less than one year in Oak Barrel. |
Crianza | Minimum 24 months aging. One year in Barrel. |
Reserva | Minimum 36 months aging. One year in Barrel. |
Gran Reserva | Minimum 60 months aging. Two years in Oak Barrel. |
Ribera del Duero is one of Spain's top red wine regions. The name translates as (river) banks of Duero.
The vineyards flank the Duero River and stretch up to limestone cliffs that rise between 700 and 1,000 meters above sea level.
The majority of Ribera del Duero wines are 100 percent Tempranillo.
Some producers successfully blend in Bordeaux varieties.
A small amount of rosado wine is also made in the region.
What is the difference between Ribera del Duero and Rioja wines?
Both appellations use Tempranillo as the main grape variety but they blend it with different grapes.
In Rioja they use Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo and Viura, while in Ribera del Duero they blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec.
But, the biggest difference is the use of oak barrels.
Rioja wine is typically aged in American oak (Quercus Alba) barrels, cheaper, sweeter and strong in Vanilla and Coconut aromas, while Ribera del Duero wine prefers French oak (Quercus Petraea and Quercus Robur) barrels, rich in exotic Spices, Roasted Coffee, Resin, Cedar, Pine, and silky, smooth, elegant Tannins.
The tighter grain of the french oak is less invasive in the resulting aromas, it allows to recognize the grape varietal and delivers more fruity wines.