Is Ribera del Duero a good wine?
Ribera del Duero is an important wine region in Castilla y Leon, northern Spain. Its reputation is largely thanks to the high-quality of its red wines made mainly from Tempranillo grapes. Tinto Pesquera is another renowned brand, created by the region’s best-known winemaker, Alejandro Fernández.
How many wineries are in Ribera del Duero?
300 wineries
Today, nearly 300 wineries have put down roots in Ribera del Duero. More than 22,000 hectares of vines are planted in sandy soils that are sometimes mixed with chalk and limestone and are sometimes more alluvial, with varying exposures and elevations throughout the valley.
What is there to do in Ribera del Duero?
Things to do in Ribera del Duero
- Walk along the River Duero.
- Sleep in, visit, and marvel at its castles.
- Experience 4 Spanish provinces.
- The Ages of Man.
- Explore the Gorges of the River Duratón and its surrounding Natural Park.
- Explore its historical villages.
- Visit Ribera´s wineries.
- See the Zarceras.
What is rioja best paired with?
Rioja is known for its easier-drinking Tempranillo-based reds which are traditionally paired with local roast pork, chorizo and aged cheese. But for a Gran Reserva Rioja, Cruz recommends trying higher protein meat, and his top pairing suggestion is grilled pigeon with white truffle.
Is Rioja 100% Tempranillo?
Tempranillo is the main grape in Rioja. Some Rioja wines are 100% Tempranillo, but the producers sometimes blend it with the region’s other grapes, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. For a long time, only Vega Sicilia, Spain’s most exclusive wine, was known from this region.
Are there any wineries in Ribera del Duero?
With a vineyard in Ribera del Duero’s “golden mile” and one of the newest wineries in the region complete with state-of-the-art software to track weather and temperature, they’re already a hit in the wine world, winning international awards for innovative uses of their Tempranillo, even crafting a Kosher wine.
How many acres of vineyards does Ribera have?
Ribera is now proud to host 270 wineries, with 55,000 acres of vineyards. Tempranillo is a thick-skinned black grape, ripening early to survive short growing seasons. It is capable of producing complex wines that develop over a long period of time. Wine must be 75 percent Tempranillo for it to be recognized by the D.O.
What kind of soil is in Ribera del Duero?
Soils here are credited with adding complexity and character to Ribera del Duero wines. Alternating layers of limestone, marl and chalk sit under silt and clay topsoil. The capital of Ribera del Duero is the historic town of Aranda de Duero. It boasts a series of antique underground cellars (bodegas) built to store wine.
When was Ribera del Duero awarded DO status?
Ribera del Duero was not awarded DO status until 1982. This is despite a long history of winemaking, centered on the leading local producer, Bodegas Vega Sicilia. Its Unico wine is generally regarded as Spain’s greatest and is served at royal functions.