Ribera del Duero is one of Spain's most important wine regions, located in the country's northern plateau. More specifically, it lies on the southern plains of the province of Burgos and covers part of four provinces; Burgos, Segovia, Soria, and Valladolid. Named after the significant Duero River, the region is home to numerous vineyards, many of which produce the country's famous Tempranillo grapes.
Characterized by a largely arid landscape with extreme climate conditions, Ribera del Duero experiences long, hot summers and cold winters. The region's altitude, ranging from around 2,800 to almost 3,000 feet above sea level, also contributes to the diurnal temperature variations that are essential for the gradual ripening of the grapes.
Ribera del Duero is best known for its rich, full-bodied red wines, which are mainly made from the Tempranillo grape, locally known as Tinta del País or Tinta Fina. These wines are praised for their complex flavors, often featuring notes of blackberry, cherry, and plum, combined with hints of leather, tobacco, and vanilla.
The region has roughly 270 wineries and covers more than 20,000 hectares of vineyards. The winemaking history in Ribera del Duero dates back over 2000 years and the region received its Denominación de Origen (DO) status in 1982, making it officially recognized for its particular geographic region and conditions for winemaking.
Some of the best-known wineries in Ribera del Duero include Vega Sicilia, Dominio de Pingus, and Pesquera.
