DO Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero (Banks of Duero) is one of Spain's top red wine regions.

The region attracts wine-lovers from around the globe with red Ribera del Duero wines made from the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grape. A small amount of rosado wine is also made in the region.

The vineyards flank the Duero River and stretch up to limestone cliffs that rise between 700 and 1,000 meters above sea level.

Some producers successfully blend in Bordeaux varieties.

In 1864, Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, a Bordeaux-trained Spanish winemaker, established Vega Sicilia east of Valladolid. He planted his vineyards with Tinto Fino (Temranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, and started to create wine blends with significant commercial success.

Vega Sicilia is one of Spain's most notable producers.

Appellation Rules

DO wines must contain minimum 75% Tempranillo (most are made with 100 percent).

Blends may contain maximun 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec.

Name	Aging
Cosecha	No aging spesification
Crianza	Min 24 months. Min 12 months in Barrel
Reserva	Min 36 months. Min 12 months in Barrel
Grand Reserva	Min 48 months. Min 24 months in Barrel

Rosé wines can undergo the same aging as red wines.