It is a high-altitude wine region, extended 115km along the Duero riverside, going from 720m on its western end (Valladolid) to more thN 1.000m on its east.
The Ribera del Duero landscape is defined by its unique, table-like terrain, divided into four distinct areas that have shaped its rich winemaking tradition:
The region’s vineyards are typically planted in sandy-oam or gravelly soils mixed with limestone, under a humid continental climate with hot and dry summers. This means strong temperature swings between day and night, which helps the grapes ripen slowly and developp complex flavours. Annual rainfall averages between 400 and 600 mm, just enough to challenge the vines and concentrate their queality.
Ribera del Duero is known for its Tempranillo grape, which makes up about 80% of plantings. This is complemented by small amounts of other varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha Tinta and Albillo Mayor, adding diversity and depth to the wines.
In 2012, Wine Enthusiast named Ribera del Duero the Best Wine Region in the World – a well-deserved recognition for a land where tradition, climate, and passion come together to produce some of Spain’s most celebrated wines.