The Ribera del Duero DO (Denominación de Origen), within the larger Castilla y León province of Spain, is an important wine-producing region largely due to its quality of red wines, the best examples of which are highly regarded throughout the world.
The region sits on the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula at a height of about 800 m (2,800 ft) above sea level. The Duero river, which runs through the region's length splitting it almost into half, provides the much needed water supply to the vineyards. This far inland, coupled with the sheltered effects of the central and northern mountain ranges, the climate is extreme with hot and dry summers followed by harsh winters. This climatic feature is most predominant during the growing season where the high day temperatures are followed by considerably cooler nights - a condition which often assists in the optimum accumulation of aroma components and other chemical compounds (phenolics) in the grapes. No wonder the world is beginning to realize the region's true potential in quality winemaking, reflected through some of the best names that call Ribera del Duero their home. Leading these producers is the Bodegas Vega Sicilia which took the wine world by storm with its 'Unico' label. Pesquera is another extremely renowned brand created by the region's most revered wine personality, Alejandro Fernández. Other prominent producers include Dominio de Pingus and Emilio Moro among many others.
Ribera del Duero is almost entirely a red wine zone with Tempranillo by far the most planted grape variety. It is locally known either as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais. The wines are deeply colored with a firm tannin structure and complex aromas. Most of the top examples age gracefully for years.
Garnacha is used for rosé wines whereas a few wineries also use small quantities of Bordeaux varieties in their red blends. Albillo is the only white grape grown here and these wines are mostly consumed locally.
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