Best Castilian-Leonese Wine Types
Ribera del Duero is a Spanish appellation located in several provinces of Castilla and Leon, in north-central Spain. The region is best known for big and bold varietals made with Tempranillo, also known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais.
The blends have to include 75% Tempranillo, while other permitted varieties include Garnacha, white Albillo, and international varieties Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ribera del Duero wines are built to age. With time, they develop complexity and become more balanced.
Most of the wines are deeply colored, full-bodied, and well-structured with bright acidity and aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla, and spices. Aging requirements are similar to those in Rioja. Crianza is the youngest, aged for two years and 12 months in oak. Reserva labels are aged at least three years with at least 12 months in oak, and the Gran Reservas have to be aged for five years, including two years of oak aging.
This white grape variety probably originated in North Africa from where it was imported to the Iberian Peninsula, and today it is mainly known as the principal grape used in Rueda (DO), both in blends and as a varietal wine. The wines produced from Verdejo are typically light-bodied, fruit-forward, fresh, and lively, with well-balanced acidity that is accompanied by bright and herbaceous flavors of citrus, fruit, and fennel.
With age, some varieties may develop nutty almond flavors. Because of its character, Verdejo is great enjoyed on its own, but it is also a food-friendly wine, and while young Verdejo is an excellent accompaniment to grilled and fried seafood, vegetables, salads, and fresh cheese, aged varieties may match paella and heartier fish or meat dishes.
Toro is a Spanish wine region located in Castile and León, around the eponymous city in Zamora. The region mostly produces red wines from Tinta de Toro—the local variant of Tempranillo that is different from those cultivated in Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
The grape produces excellent wines that are usually full-bodied, rich, potent, and concentrated. Compared to Rioja, red wines from Toro are darker, more tannic, and typically have higher alcohol content. They easily reach 15% ABV, but ideally, they would have around 13%.
Mencía or Jaen is a grape whose origin is associated with the Iberian peninsula. In the past, it was believed that Mencía and Jaen are two separate varieties, but recent research has shown that they are genetically identical.
In Spain, the grape is mostly associated with the Bierzo appellation that is located in the province of León. While for most of its history, Mencía was used in the production of light, somewhat bland table wines, some winemakers have seen the potential to produce more concentrated and better quality varietals with a medium body and good natural acidity.
THE BEST Mencía Wine Varieties
Bruñal is a rare Spanish red grape that produces fruity, full-bodied red wines. The grape is most likely native to Arribes, Castilla y Leon, and though it is mainly used in regional red blends, some producers show its excellent varietal potential.
Despite its quality, it is still rarely planted because of low yields. Bruñal wines are cherry-colored, with a fruity aroma reminiscent of red berries. They are refreshing and bright, often with some minerality. Well-structured tannins are nicely balanced with good acidity and alcohol content.
Best Castilian-Leonese Wine Producers
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2017
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024, 2019
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021
BEST Valduero Wines
AWARDS
Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2021
BEST Viña Arnaiz Wines
Altos de Tamarón is a leading brand of the Pagos del Rey winery, established in 2002 in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. This winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with state-of-the-art technology, allowing oenologists to carefully oversee every step of the production process.
Altos de Tamarón wines are made from the Tempranillo grape variety, locally known as Tinta del País, and include various styles, ranging from young and fruity wines to more complex ones aged in barrels. These wines have achieved significant success in international competitions and tastings, thanks to a dedicated team striving for the highest quality from vineyard to glass.
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion White 2020
2020
BEST Pagos del Rey Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2023
BEST Protos Bodega Ribera Duero de Peñafiel SL Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
BEST Bodegas de Crianza de Pozaldez SL Wines
AWARDS
USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2023
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023
BEST Viña Solorca Wines
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2020, 2019
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2019, 2017
BEST Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro Wines
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024
BEST Alejandro Fernandez Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2023, 2019
BEST Bodegas Sinforiano SL Wines
Best Castilian-Leonese Wines
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2019, 2017
After months of care in the field, and once the appropriate degree of ripeness has been reached, the grapes are harvested at night so that they reach the winery at a low temperature and without unwanted maceration. The alcoholic fermentation and maceration in contact with the skins take place for 25 days, thereby achieving the extraction of the maximum varietal potential.
Afterwards, once malolactic fermentation has concluded, the wine is racked twice and finally goes through the ageing process in barrels.
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2021
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2022
AWARDS
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion White 2020
2020
Sourced from 900 metres high vineyards located on the border of Ribera del Duero and aged for 15 months in six type of oak barrels. Aromas of fresh blueberry with hints of mint and coffee. Full-bodied with great concentration of ripe fruits on the palate well-balanced with soft tannins and a refreshing acidity.
This is incredibly good value and will keep for a few years!
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2019
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Rosé 2015
2015
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2023
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