What is Ribera del Duero wine? Ribera del Duero is a wine region (DO, since 1982) in Castilla y León, in northern Spain. The vineyards lie in a strip about 115 kilometres long along the Duero river, around towns such as Aranda de Duero, Peñafiel and Roa. The region runs through the provinces of Burgos, Valladolid, Segovia and Soria, with most vineyards in Burgos. Ribera del Duero is known for deep, powerful red wine and, together with Rioja and Priorat, is one of Spain’s best-known red wine regions. Besides red wine, the region also makes rosé and, since 2019, white wine under the DO name.
Which grapes are in Ribera del Duero wine? The main grape is Tempranillo, known here as Tinto Fino or Tinta del País. Under the rules, a red Ribera del Duero must contain at least 75% Tempranillo. Other grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Garnacha Tinta may also be added. Rosé must contain at least 50% of the permitted red grape varieties. White wine must contain at least 75% Albillo Mayor. Even so, Ribera del Duero remains first and foremost a red wine region.
Want to get to know the grape itself? At ONWINE you will find Tempranillo from Spanish winemakers, in different styles and from different regions.
What makes Ribera del Duero wine special? The climate is extreme: the vineyards lie at about 750 to 900 metres above sea level, summers can reach around 40 degrees and winters are harsh. The difference between day and night is often 15 to 20 degrees. During the day the grapes ripen in plenty of sun (about 2,400 hours of sunshine a year), at night it cools down and the grapes stay fresh. Rainfall is low, around 435 millimetres a year on average.
You taste that in the glass: a deep colour, aromas of blackberry, black cherry and plum, a mineral touch and firm, fine tannins. Ageing in oak barrels adds notes of vanilla, cedar and spice.
Ribera del Duero Crianza A Crianza is the most approachable aged style. The wine is aged for at least 24 months, at least 12 of them in oak barrels. You taste plenty of dark fruit, with vanilla, spice and a soft hint of oak. That makes a Crianza a good first introduction to the region and a pleasant wine with a hearty meal, without needing a special occasion.
Ribera del Duero Reserva A Reserva is aged for at least 36 months, at least 12 of them in oak. The wine is fuller, more complex and rounder than a Crianza. Besides dark fruit you taste dried fruit, tobacco, cocoa and spice. The tannins are settled and the finish is longer. A Reserva is a wine for a long dinner and benefits from decanting.
Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva The Gran Reserva is the longest-aged style: at least 60 months of ageing, at least 24 of them in oak barrels. You taste ripe, dried fruit, tobacco, cocoa and graphite, with a soft structure and a very long finish. A Gran Reserva is meant for special moments, or for keeping and opening later.
Besides Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva there are also younger styles such as Roble or Barrica, aged for at least three months in oak. They are fruitier, with a lighter touch of oak.
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Ribera del Duero rosé and white wine Rosé (rosado or clarete) has long been made in the region. White wine is newer: only since 2019 may it be sold under the Ribera del Duero DO. Rosé and white wine from Ribera del Duero are not in our range yet. We do have Spanish white wine and Spanish rosé, such as the Marqués del Hueco Rosado from Rioja.
What goes well with Ribera del Duero? Ribera del Duero is powerful, with firm tannins and plenty of structure. That is why the wine goes best with hearty food: roast or grilled meat such as lamb and beef, stews, game, spiced sausage and cured ham. In the region itself, lechazo (roast lamb) is the classic dish. Aged sheep’s cheese such as Manchego also suits the power of the wine.
A Crianza is softer and goes with everyday meat dishes. A Reserva or Gran Reserva suits a long dinner, for example with roast meat or game. Looking for something to try right now? Our Spanish red wine goes with the same dishes.
Ribera del Duero, Rioja or Priorat? All three are well-known Spanish red wines, but they differ in style. Ribera del Duero lies high and has big temperature swings, which gives deep, powerful wines with plenty of structure. Rioja is known for elegant, oak-aged wines. Priorat produces powerful, mineral wines. That makes it easy to choose the style that suits your taste and your dish.
Buy Ribera del Duero at ONWINE At ONWINE you buy wine directly from the winemaker. Wines from Ribera del Duero are not in our range yet, but will be available soon. Until then you can try our other Spanish red wines. That way you discover which style suits you before the first Ribera del Duero arrives.
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Frequently asked questions about Ribera del Duero Which grape is in Ribera del Duero? Mostly Tempranillo, called Tinto Fino or Tinta del País in this region. A red Ribera del Duero must contain at least 75% Tempranillo.
What is the difference between Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva? It is about ageing. A Crianza is aged for at least 24 months, a Reserva for at least 36 months and a Gran Reserva for at least 60 months. The longer the ageing, the fuller and more complex the wine.
Are rosé and white wine also made in Ribera del Duero? Yes. Besides red wine, the region also makes rosé (rosado or clarete) and, since 2019, white wine under the DO name, mainly from the Albillo Mayor grape. At ONWINE you will find Spanish white wine and Spanish rosé from other regions.
Where is Ribera del Duero? In Castilla y León in northern Spain, along the Duero river, in the provinces of Burgos, Valladolid, Segovia and Soria.
Can I already buy Ribera del Duero at ONWINE? Not yet. Wines from Ribera del Duero will be available soon. In the meantime, take a look at our Spanish red wine , directly from the winemaker.
