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Tag Archives: Ribera del Duero

Tasting No. 27 – February 14, 2013 – Ribera del Duero Valley

11 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen in Tasting Meetings, Varietals, Wine Regions, Wines

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Castilla y Leon, Cigales, España, Ribera de Duero, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Spain, Tempranillo, Toto, Valle del Duero

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Capri Ristorante

Contents of this Post:

  1. Presenters and Participants
  2. Menu
  3. Wines Description
  4. Wine Producing Regions (Rueda, Toto, R. Duero and Cigales)

1.   Presenters and Participants

La primera cata de vinos españoles tendrá lugar el 14 de febrero en el Capri a las 12:30.   Los vinos a degustar seán del Valle del rio Duero, Castilla Y León, que comprende  las D.O Ribera Del Duero, Cigales, Rueda, Toro Los seleccionadores y presentadores son Juan Luis, Hugo y Jairo.

J.L. Colaiacovo

J.L. Colaiacovo

HugoBenito

Hugo Benito

Jairo Sanchez

Jairo Sanchez

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”””

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Han confirmado su participación: Juan Luis Colaiacovo, Jairo Sanchez, Cecilio Augusto Berndsen, Wilson Moreira, Orlando Mason, Italo Mirkov, Carlos Paldao, Mario Aguilar, Agustín Riveros, Miguel Segovia, Hugo Benito, Peter Scherer y Alfonso Sanchez. February 8, 2013.

2. Menu:
1) ENSALADA DE MARISCOS SOBRE ARÚGULA

2) POTAJE DE JUDÍAS BLANCAS, GARBANZOS Y CHORIZO

3) LOMITO DE CERDO EN SALSA DE CASIS Y FRAMBUESA

4) CORDERO EN SALSA DE ROMERO.

5) POSTRE A SELECCIÓN INDIVIDUAL, ( MENÚ DEL RESTAURANTE CAPRI)

3. Wines Information:  All Wines from Spain

3.1.           2011 Palacio de Bornos Verdejo. Bodega Palacio de Bornos. Rueda. APV:. 13.5% $ 14.99

Palacio de Bornos VerdejoStephen Tanzer 89 points. Wine Enthusiast 90 points.

A fresh white wine made from the Spanish grape Verdejo with crisp Sauvignon Blanc-like aromas given an intriguing herby lift. Cool fermentation techniques extract the maximum fruit intensity from the flavour some grapes, and careful handling ensures good acidity levels are retained throughout. Try with Thai dishes. from: http://www.waitrosedirect.com

The Sanz family is one of Rueda’s best known producers, and their wines offer a very good price-quality ratio. Their Verdejo is pleasant, fresh and light, a quality white wine ideal for everyday drinking and perfect for keeping you cool during the summer! From http://www.vinissimus.com

” With the best Verdejos we expecto both texture and complexity along with a vibrant, lemony citrus character and a healthy doses of pear. With Bornos two fun things happen as well: it exhibits little of the grassy notes found in some verdejos and a finish almost tangible pear-skin note”
This is a fresh white wine with a crisp acidity. It is a good example of Verdejo from DO Rueda.

This winery was founded in 1870 in the town of La Seca. It expanded nationally and internationally in the XX century.

In 1976 the fifth generation of the Sanz family started the construction of a new winery in Rueda and begin the mos recent history of Palacion de Bornos.
Rueda soil and climate. Gravely, permiting great ventilation and drainage.
Continental climate with low rainfall.

”
3.2.    2009  Senorio del Tallar  Vendimia Seleccionada. Tempranillo. Bodega Milagrosa.  Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León.  APV 14.8 %   $ 17.99

” Aromas of pain grille, mineral, tapenade. Asian spices, and assorted black fruits lead to a dense, plush, full flavored wine that is nice proportioned and lengthy”. Wine Advocate. 93 points.

Ribera del Duero, Spain- Aromas of pain grille, mineral, tapenade, Asian spices, and assorted black fruits lead to a well balanced, full-bodied wine with a lengthy finish. Enjoy with grilled meats.

http://evewine101.com/  Grape Characteristics: Intense purple color, made from vines between 50 and 70 years old, aged in Hungarian oak. Aromas of incense, Asian and black fruits complement the dense texture with a fine and long finish.

Notes:  Luckily the wet cardboard smell (an indicator of cork taint) blew off quickly and I was left with dark fruit and the faintest hint of leaves.  The taste was all deep, dark fruits – a bowl full – framed by cigar, tannin and dust.  Another nice discovery.

3.3.  2009   Tierra Aranda. Tempranillo.  Bodega Virgen de las Vinas. Ribera del Duero.  Castilla Y León.    APV.: 14%  $ 19.99
Tierra Aranda” Bright red color with fresh fruit aromas and a hint of oak, structered in the palate, full bodied, spicy and round, Great balance and a long and lasting finish. Ideal with meats and cheese”. (label)
” Fresh, blackberry, oak, spice, full bodied”
” Deep purple in color, it offers up an inviting nose of sandelwood, Asian spices, tapenade, mineral, and blackberry. Some complexity in the palate”. Wine Advocate. 93 points.

Fresh, Blackberry, Oak, Spice, Full-bodied

Wine Advocate –  “Deep purple in color, it offers up an inviting nose of sandalwood, Asian spices, tapenade, mineral, and blackberry. Already exhibiting some complexity on the palate…rich, plush effort…” [BARREL SCORE 90-93]

3.4.  2008    Finca Sobreno 2008. Crianza. Tinta del Toro (Tempranillo clone). Bodegas Sobreno S.A.  Toro, Castilla Y León.     APV.:  14.5%     $ 19.99

Finca Sobreno“Grapes of the Tinta del Toro variety selected by hand in our oldest vineyard.
The wine is preocessed in our modern installations and then aged in oak barrels which make Sobreno a unique pleasure for any lover of fine red wines” (information in the label).
12 months in american oak barrels, 12 months in bottles.
Bodegas Sobreno was founded in 1998. In the early 90s a group of Rioja Winemakers became interested in Toro, convinced that top class wines could be made from the local Tempranillo clone known as Tinta de Toro. The combination of Rioja know-how, modern technology, strict attention to detail and fine old vines plantings has led Bodegas Sobreno to success.
The winery has 1400 barrels and boast production capacity of 500,000 bottles a year. The principal winemaking consultant is Manuel Ruiz Hernandez, one of Rioja’s most respected enologist. The wineyard currently owns 80 hectares, of which about half are vines over 30 years old and divided into may small parts.
In addition the winery controls 155 hectares of independently owned old-vines plots. The wineyards are 100% Tinta de Toro.
Soil types are allovial with a thick clay subsoil and a mix of sand and gravel. Yields are quite low, averaging 4000 kgs./hectare.
Bodegas ~SobreñoThe wines.
Tinto Joven. 3 months in oak
Crianza. 7-8 months in oak
Reserva, 3 years in oak, plus 1 year in bottles.
“Intense dark red color. Blackberry, black cherry fruit on the nose, ripe and full flavored.”

Wine Advocate. 89 + points.
” This purple/black colored wine offers up a slightly restrained nose cedar, violets, licorice, and blackberry. Ripe and and layered on the palate, this powerful effort will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2020.”
Beverage Tasting Institute. 89 points. ” Aromas of chocolate, strawberries, and vanilla cupcakes with a silky fruit-yet- dry medium to full body and a juicy, cedar, cracked pepper, and spiced accented finish>”
Stephen Tanzer. International Wine Cellar 88 points. “Bright. Pungeant aromas of red fruit, rose and fresh herbs. Slightly tart-edged, but the bright floral and red berry flavors show good intensity and focus. Turn softer and suppler with air and finishes with good clarity and lingering speciness. ”

”
3.5.    2008    Finca Sobreno. Seleccion Especial 2008.  Tinta del Toro (Tempranillo). Bodegas Sobreño S.A., Toro, Castilla y León.  APV: 14.5%   $ 36.99

Sobreño - Seleccion Especial
Uva: Tinta de Toro. 14 meses en roble americano.
“Dark red color with dark purple tones. Powerful yet elegant nose, refined and stylish with ripe berry fruit, spicy complexity (clove, sandalwood, vanilla, chocolate). Muscular, elegant, yet silky smooth taste shows fruit preserves jam (blackberry, loganberry), chocolate truffle. Concentrated and rich, but not sweet with superb length. A good match for venison or wild boar with a fruit based sauce”. (label).

Stephen Tanzer. 91 points. “Opaque rubi. Exotic aromas of cherry-cola, blackberry preserves, vanilla, and potpourri. Weighty red and dark berry flavors are sweetened by vanillin oak and sharpened be cracked pepper and spice. The cola and floral notes build with air and carry through a long, sweet, quietly tannin finish”.

“
3.6.     Museum Real Reserva. Cigales.    100% Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo)   Anthony Murphy.     Cigales, Castilla Y León.  APV.: 14 %   $ 31

Museum RealWinemaker’s Notes:  Most famous as the predominant grape in the blended wines of Rioja, Tempranillo has emerged as a potential star in regions as disparate as Australia and California. Tempranillo generally produces medium-bodied wines with juicy acidity and bright raspberry fruit enlivened by notes of dusty earth, dry herbs and leather.

A very careful selection of grapes harvested by hand, in old vineyards around Cigales, in the Ribiera del Pisuerga area. Aged for two years in French oak. A full rich wine, similar in style to Rioja, great value. From:  Http://www.pauladamsfinewines.co.uk.

4.    Aspects of the Production Regions

Castilla y Leon Wines DO'sThis tasting focus the main Producing Regions of Castilla y Leon that are Ribeira del Duero, Rueda, Toro and Cigales.

Wine production here was generally fairly basith until the 1980’s when Ribera del Duero won its DO status and started make its presence felt.

“Rueda

Rueda is located north west of Madrid in the region of Castille and Leon. Laid on a high, flat plain that’s served by the Duero river, Rueda has a continental climate that’s affected by the Atlantic.

Rueda Seal This area is prone to frost, freezing fog and high winds during the winter and spring and so growers elect to train the vines close to the ground. However, Rueda enjoys long hot summers, around 2,700 hours of sunlight and a low chance of drought.

 

Rueda has an excellent reputation for fine white wines made from the Verdejo grape, and approximately 90% of vineyards focus on this grape. According to Rueda’s laws, Macabeo and Sauvignon Blanc can be used in a white wine blend but Verdejo has to constitute the significant majority. Red grapes are permitted and more recently Rueda has been growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Garnacha aside from the traditional Tempranillo.  From http://www.waitrosedirect.com.

Rueda  DO obtenida en 1980. Marques de Riscal promovio la zona con inversiones en 1972. Vinos blancos son la especialidad con uvas Verdejo y Viura. Para poner Verdejo en la etiqueta los vinos tienen que tener 85% de esa uva. Si aparece como Rueda tiene que tener 50%.
Los verdejos han sido producidos desde hace mucho en la region de Rueda. La cepa se origino en el norte de Africa y se trajo a Rueda en el siglo XI. Originalmente se hacia un vino fuerte oxidado tipo sherry. En 1970s Marques de Riscal con la colaboracion de Emile Peynaud comenzo a desarrollar un vino blanco fresco con esta uva. En 1980 los vinos blancos Rueda ganaron DO.
Los vinos verdejos son aromaticos, suaves, y full bodied. Las uvas se cosechan en las noches para evitar la rapida oxidacion que se produce con las altas temperaturas en setiembre.
Uva Tempranillo.
Originaria de Espana desde la epoca de los Fenicios. Principal uva en Rioja donde se la llamo la “noble grape”.
Madura varias semanas antes que otras cepas de ahi el nombre. A menudo se mezcla con Grenache y Carignan (se llama mazuelo en Rioja).
Normalmente plantada en lugares altos produce vinos con aromas y sabores de berries, plums, tobacco, vainilla, cuero y hierbas.
En 1990 hubo un renacimiento de esta uva gracias a bodegueros espanoles que probaron que podria dar buenos resultados fuera de Rioja principalmente en Ribera del Duero, Navarra y Penedes.
Tempranillo es una de las pocas uvas que se adapta a un clima mediterraneo. Constituye 90% de los vinos en Ribera del Duero y es la uva principal en los blends de Rioja. En Portugal se conoce como Tinta Roriz. Se conoce como Tinta del Pais en Ribera del Duero y Tinta de Toro en Toro.
Quality and Typicity
from the http://www.dorueda.com, The Official Website of the apellation.
The Denomination of Origin Rueda was approved by the Ministry of Agriculture on January 12, 1980; it was the first Denomination of Origin to be approved in the Region of Castilla y León, after years of hard work in order to earn acknowledgement and protection for its autochthonous grape variety: the Verdejo.

The Denomination of Origin Rueda possesses exceptional natural resources for the production of top-quality wines. Specialised in making internationally renowned white wines. Also, from the 5 of August of 2008 the red wines and rosé areprotected by the Denomination of Origin Rueda.

The production area included in the Denomination of Origin Rueda is located in the Region of Castilla y León and consists of 74 towns and villages, 53 of which are located south of the province of Valladolid, 17 to the west of  Segovia and 4 north of Ávila.

The different grape varieties grown here are irregularly scattered over the several municipal districts comprising Rueda Appellation of Origin. However, it is the area found within the boundaries of La Seca, Rueda and Serrada where vineyards are in a higher proportion and greater intensity.

There is only one D.O. in the region of Rueda, which is “Rueda D.O.”. Within the D.O. there are many styles of wine, and these styles each get their own back label. Learn about these styles and their corresponding black labels here.

Toro

Toro  es una denominacion de origen (DO) para vinos en la provincia de Zamora, la cual esta al Nordeste de Castilla Leon. El area cubierta por la DO esta en el SE de Torola provincia de Zamora e incluye las areas conocidas como Tierra del Vino, Valle del Guarena, y Tierra del Toro. Hace frontera con las areas de Tierra del Pan, y Tierra de Campos. Hay 8000 hectareas plantadas con vinas de las cuales 5500 estan registradas en el Consejo Regulador de la DO.
Clima. La DO tiene un clima continental extremo (veranos largos y calientes, inviernos muy frios). Temperaturas varian desde – 11C en invierno a 37c en verano. Llueve alrededor de 350-400 mm por ano. Las horas con sol van de 2600 a 3000 por ano.
Suelo. Esta formado por sedimentos de arena, arcilla, y lime lo cual produce un suelo obscuro (lime-bearing) con arena fina.
Variedades autorizadas. Tinto. Tinta del Toro (Tempranillo), Garnacha.
Blancos. Verdejo, Malvasia.
Vinos producidos ( 100%) Tinta de Toro.

  • a. tintos jovenes. Mejor tomarlos en el ano.
  • b. Roble. tintos jovenes envejecidos entre 3 y 6 meses (pueden tener un poco de Garnacha)
  • c. Crianza. envejecidos por los menos 2 anos, de los cuales al menos seis meses en barriles de roble.
  • d. Reserva. envejecidos por lo menos 3 anos de los cuales al menos un ano en barriles de roble.
  • e. Gran reserva. Envejecidos por lo menos 5 anos, de los cuales al menos dos anos en roble.

Los vinos rosados son hechos con 50% Tinta del Toro y 50% Garnacha.
Los blancos se hacen con 100% Verdejo o 100% Malvasia.
Historia de la region.
Se hace vino en Toro desde el siglo I AC cuando los griegos le ensenaron a las tribus Celtas locales. En la Edad Media los vinos de Toro fueron los primeros en ser comercializados en la region del rio Duero.
El rey Alfonso IX le cedio tierras a varias ordenes religiosas con el entendido que plantarian vinas y muchas de las 40 iglesias que existen en la ciudad de Toro fueron construidas gracias a la riqueza generada por el comerco de vinos.’
Los vinos de Toro comenzaron primeramente a ser vendidos en Sevilla y Palencia a medida que su prestigio crecia. Muchas bodegas fueron construidas bajo tierra para obtener mejores vinos y control de temperatura.
La DO Toro fue creada eb 1987.
A fines del siglo XIX se exportaban grandes cantidades de vinos de esta area para Francia durante la crisis de la phyloxera lo cual no afecto a Toro protegida por el suelo arenoso.
Los vinedos de otras regiones de Espana fueron sembrados con las vinas provenientes de Toro.

Ribera del Duero

     Ribera  del Duero is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) located in the country’s northern plateau and is one of eleven ‘quality wine’ regions within the autonomous community of Castile and León.[1] It is also one of several recognised wine-producing regions to be found along the course of the Duero river.
The region is characterised by a largely flat, rocky terrain and is centred on the town of Aranda de Duero, although the most famous vineyards surround Peñafiel and Roa de Duero to the west, where the regional regulatory council or Consejo Regulador for the denominación is based. Text from Wikipedia.

Ribera del DueroRibera del Duero is home to the world-famous and highly-prized Emilio Moro, Cepa 21, Vega Sicilia and Tinto Pesquera wines and is dedicated almost entirely to the production of red wine from the Tempranillo grape.
Ribera del Duero was named wine region of the year 2012 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Cigales

The Cigales wine region is situated in the province of Valladolid and Palencia and covers an area of 2,600 hectares. The Cigales wine region consists of 37 vineyards (Bodegas), which produce 5 millon liter of wine annually. http://www.espanovino.com

This region within the Castilla y Leon province runs along the Pisuerga river. Wine-making dates back many centuries, having quenched the thirsts of the nobility and religious disciples who lived in the many castles and monasteries that dot the countryside. Cigales was finally awarded D.O. status in 1991.

Cigales has a very hot and dry continental climate. This is a region now mostly known for its rosados of Tinto del Pais (Tempranillo) and Garnacha, with quality red wines made from the same grapes. A small amount of white wine production is produced from Verdejo and Albillo. – Description from Amanda Schuster (snooth.com)

Cigales is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines located to the north of Valladolid (Castile and León, Spain) along both banks of the River Pisuerga.

Cigales

It includes several municipalities, including Valladolid itself, Dueñas, Cabezón de Pisuerga, Cigales, Corcos del Valle, Cubillas de Santa Marta, Fuensaldaña, Mucientes, Quintanilla de Trigueros, San Martín de Valvení, Trigueros del Valle and Valoria la Buena. The DO has an extension of 574 km² and is at an altitude of 750 m above sea level. It is a relatively recent DO, having been created in 1991. Wikipedia.com

Terroir at Bodegas Museum, Cigales

Like other DOs in the region, Cigales supplied Valladolid and other cities with wine during the Middle Ages. While Toro supplied red wine and Rueda white wine, Cigales specialised in clarets and rosés. These wines were made until recently in underground cellars, which were often shared by small wine-makers (bodegueros) and which were excavated to depths of over 10 m.

.o0o.

Videos: Castilla y León with focus on Vale del Duero

10 Sunday Feb 2013

Posted by ClubVino in Wine Regions, Wines

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Castilla y Leon, Cigales, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Toro, Vale del Duero

Castilla y LeónVideos: Castilla y León with focus on Vale del Duero

To watch the videos click the arrow

Castilla y León, la comunidad autónoma más extensa de España:

The Wine Brothers – The Wines of Ribera del Duero

The Wine Brothers – Wines of Rueda & Toro 2

Bullish on Toro! The next hot wine from Spain

Terroir at Bodegas Museum, Cigales

Wines From Ribera Del Duero In Spain


Finca Sobreño

Ribera del Duero and Cigales, Castilla y León

09 Saturday Feb 2013

Posted by ClubVino in Member's Forum, Tasting Meetings

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Cigales, Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero and Cigales, Castilla y León

 ‪DO Ribera del Duero

notes and information researched by Jairo Sanchez

Ribera del Duero is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) located in the country’s northern plateau and is one of eleven ‘quality wine’ regions within the autonomous community of Castile and León. It is also one of several recognized wine-producing regions to be found along the course of the Duero river. Roughly 90 minutes drive north of Madrid, the region stretches over 149km, east to west, across the provinces of Soria, Burgos, Segovia & Valladolid.

The region is characterized by a largely flat, rocky terrain and is centered on the town of Aranda de Duero, although the most famous vineyards surround Peñafiel and Roa de Duero to the west, where the regional regulatory council or Consejo Regulador for the denominación is based. At the heart of the Ribera del Duero region is Aranda de Duero, home to just over 32,000 people.

Ribera del Duero is home to the world-famous and highly-prized Emilio Moro, Cepa 21, Vega Sicilia and Tinto Pesquera wines and is dedicated almost entirely to the production of red wine from the Tempranillo grape.Ribera del Duero was named wine region of the year 2012 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Wine_Spain_Map

Ribera del Duero DO (Denominación de Origen) is an important wine-producing area in the Castilla y León autonomous region of Spain. Its reputation is largely thanks to the high-quality of its red wines, the best examples of which are renowned throughout the world. The capital of Ribera del Duero is the historic town of Aranda de Duero, which boasts a series of antique underground cellars (bodegas) built to store wine. The interconnecting cellars reach a depth of 40ft (12m) in places. Despite a long history of winemaking, Ribera del Duero was not awarded DO status until 1982. A corresponding Consejo Regulador (wine-regulating authority) was then established to administer it.

Ribera del Duero sits on the elevated northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula at 2800ft (800m) above sea level. It is divided by the Duero River (as its name would suggest – Ribera del Duero means ‘bank of the Duero’), which provides the local vineyards with a much-needed water supply

History. Wine has been produced in the region for thousands of years, but viticulture, as we know it probably arrived in the Ribera del Duero region with Benedictine monks from Cluny in the Burgundy region of France in the twelfth century. Ribera del Duero wine making goes back over 2,000 years as evidenced by the 66-meter mosaic of Bacchus, the god of wine that was unearthed relatively recently at Baños de Valdearados.

 As in many regions of Spain Church cultivated the vine. By the 1500s wine based on Tinta del Pais had become the region’s main economic product. In the 1650s wineries in Aranda del Duero were said to have produced 6 million liters of wine. Underground tunnels were utilized for temperature control and aging of wine. In 1864 Vega Sicilia was founded with the first vines from Bordeaux being planted in the area. After being granted D.O. in 1982, due largely to the work of Alejandro Fernandez, who founded Bodega Pesquera, an explosion of development occurred shifting production from inexpensive to top quality red wine wines from Tempranillo in a more concentrated, full-bodied and fruit-driven style than most Rioja wines of the day, which were then virtually the only Spanish red wines found on export markets.

Ribera del Duero wines are enjoying greater popularity, thanks largely to the considerable interest shown in the area by experienced growers from other regions.

Geography. Ribera del Duero is located on the extensive, elevated northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. It occupies the southern plains of the province of Burgos, extends west into Valladolid and includes parts of Segovia and Soria provinces to the south and east, respectively. As its name suggests, the region follows the course of the Duero river for approximately 115 km upstream from Valladolid and is around 35 km at its widest. The region is located around the younger stretches of the river, which later passes through the nearby Toro and Rueda regions before traversing the famous Portuguese growing areas of Douro and Porto, where it drains into the Atlantic Ocean

Geological Features. Tertiary sediments, consisting of gently lenticular layers of silty or clayey sand, alternate with layers of limestone, marl and chalky concretions. The Duero valley, formed during the Miocene period, has a flat, rocky, gently undulating terrain, ranging from 911 m down to 750 m above sea level.

Vineyards occupy around 120 km² of the region, most of which are situated in the province of Burgos, with around 5 km² in Valladolid and 6 km² in Soria.

Climate: The Ribera del Duero has moderate to low rainfall (450 mm per year) and is exposed to quite extreme climatic conditions; long, dry summers with temperatures of up to 40 °C are followed by hard winters during which temperatures may fall as low as -18 °C. There are also marked variations in temperature within each season. The climate is continental and Mediterranean, with more than 2,400 hours of annual sunlight.

The majority of plantings are sited within the valley and thus protected from extreme weather. Due to the high altitude, 2,300 to 2,750 feet, nighttime temperatures are much lower than daytime temperatures allowing grapes to maintain essential natural acidity. Frost in late Autumn and early Spring is a worry in this area and while rare temperatures can drop as low as -5 degree Fahrenheit. 

Soil: The main growing area is made up of the high plains, steep slopes, shallow slopes and riverbanks. Most vines are planted on the shallow slopes where chalk and limestone predominate in the soil making up to 50% of the total. Clay, marl and sandy soils are also found in the region.

Wine Production. Wines produced in the Ribera del Duero DO derive almost exclusively from red grapes. The Albillo grape is the only white variety grown, white wines being mostly destined for local consumption. The vast majority of production is dedicated to Tinto Fino (local name for Tempranillo), the dominant red varietal in the northern half of the Spanish peninsula. Tinto Fino is often, but not always complemented with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot, although the famous Tinto Pesquera, grown by Alejandro Fernández in Pesquera de Duero, is a 100% Tempranillo varietal wine. The introduction of Pesquera’s 100% Tinto Fino wine was, at the time, somewhat controversial, as the considered benchmark Vega Sicilia wines traditionally blended Tinto Fino with such Bordeaux varietals as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

There are many similarities between Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Whereas the wines are quite distinctive as a result of significant differences in terroir, both regions produce wines selected for long aging with highly complex vinification procedures, producing intense, extremely long-lived wines emanating from largely limestone soils. Wines are classified as much for their longevity as their grape quality, and Ribera del Duero produces some extremely well-aging wines. The aging requirements for Ribera del Duero are the same used in Rioja. Wines labelled as “Crianza” must age two years with 12 months in oak. “Reserva” wines must be aged at least three years with at least 12 months in oak. The “Gran Reserva” labelled wines must spend 5 years aging prior to release, two being in oak.

The town of Pesquera is particularly noted for its wines and the area around La Horra (another small town in the region) is respected by locals for its consistent quality. Viña Sastre is one of the region’s more respected wine producers and the world-renowned Vega Sicilia easily the most famous. Vega Sicilia’s more eminent customers include Prince Charles of the British royal family, while Alex Ferguson‘s favourite wine is Pesquera. Other notable bodegas include, Dominio de Pingus, Bodegas Alion, and Hacienda Monasterio, all of which lie along The Golden Mile, Spain.

Grapes: Tinta del Pais, the local clone of Tempranillo, makes up 85% of plantings in Ribera del Duero. While Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec are allowed grapes in the blend, although not permitted to be planted in new vineyards. Garnacha makes of the remainder of the vineyards along with Albillo, a white grape traditionally used to make rose when blended with Tinta del Pais. Vines vary in training between bush vines and wire trained, with the wire trained vines pruned to allow 16 bunches per plant. .

The Duero River becomes the Douro (the famous Port river) in Portugal. Ribera del Duero is famous for its red wines. Several wine estates in this area have sparked a trend of attracting producers interested in producing high-quality red wines

Wines

At more than 800m above sea level it’s among the highest wine producing areas in Europe. Steeped in history and romance, the Ribera del Duero landscape can often appear rugged and stark, yet it’s home to some of the most acclaimed wines in the world. The climate can be harsh at times with temperature fluctuations of more than 20 degrees in a 24-hour period. We also have relatively low rainfall and high sun exposure which puts the vines under considerable stress, making them work harder for every drop of moisture leading to better quality grapes and high quality wines.

The region’s inland location, coupled with the sheltering effects of the nearby Sierra de la Demanda and Sierra de Guadaramma mountain ranges, creates an extreme climate in which hot and dry summers are followed by harsh winters. In the growing season, the high daytime temperatures are combined with considerably cooler nights – a condition which assists in the optimum accumulation of aromas and other chemical compounds (phenolics) in the grape.

 

The Tempranillo grape

Tempranillo, or tinto fino as it’s known locally, is the predominant grape variety in the Ribera del Duero and ever since the region gained recognition in the 1980s it has produced some of Spains most complex, deeply coloured and fruity wines. Highly tannic, alcohol rich and full bodied red wines are the hallmark of the Ribera del Duero region.

The Ribera del Duero Denominación de Origen (DO or appellation) has four official classifications of wine. Most wineries, including use these classifications as standard. These are:

Joven: A term applied to a young wine; typically these wines see little or no time in oak & is released as a fresh & fruity wine.

Crianza: A wine labeled ‘crianza’ has spent at least one year in an oak cask and sold immediately.

Reserva: A ‘reserva’ wine has been aged for a minimum of 2 years; one of which in an oak barrel before being available to the public.

Gran Reserva: These wines are aged for 2 years in an oak cask and a further three years in the bottle.

Recently a fifth classification has crept into our every day awareness called Barrica or Roble. The Barrica / Roble wine has been aged for a minimum of 4 months in oak barrels giving sweeter tannins to young wine.

 

Vendimia.

Around mid October the Ribera del Duero region goes to harvest (or Vendimia as it’s known here). The Denominación de Origen test and analyze throughout the early part of October and sometimes even late September to determine the exact moment when the harvest can begin. While the region is quietly working hard behind the scenes for the rest of the year the harvest season can be frenetic as there is a very short window to harvest the grapes before the regional heavy frosts begin again.

Alternating layers of limestone, marl and chalk under silt and clay topsoil add complexity and character to Ribera del Duero wines.

The leading local producer is Bodegas Vega Sicilia, which took the wine world by storm with its ‘Unico’ label. Pesquera is another renowned brand, created by the region’s best-known winemaker, Alejandro Fernández. The success of Vega Sicilia and Pesquera quickly turned local producers away from bulk rosé and selling to co-operatives and focused their attentions on making quality reds. Other prominent producers include Dominio de Pingus and Emilio Moro.

Nowadays, Ribera del Duero is almost entirely devoted to red wine, with Tempranillo the most widely planted grape variety. It is known locally either as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais and produces wines which are deeply colored, with a firm tannin structure and complex aromas of mulberry and blackberry. Most of the top examples age gracefully for years. According to DO regulations, Tempranillo must make up a minimum of 75% of all vinos tintos (red wines). The balance is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec (varieties that were introduced by Vega Sicilia well over a century ago) or up to 5% of Albillo or Garnacha (Grenache). Garnacha is used for most rosé wines, and a few wineries employ small quantities of Bordeaux varieties in their red blends. Albillo is the only white grape grown in Ribera del Duero, producing wines for local consumption that don’t qualify for the DO, or in minor quantities as a softener for heavy reds.

DO Cigales

Cigales DO is located on the banks of the River Pisuerga. Valladolid, Cigales’ main city, lies at the heart of the Castilla y Leon autonomous community of Spain. It was awarded DO status in 1991. Despite the relative recentness of the DO, this region has a long and proud history of wine making and its landscape is adorned with castles and other relics of the past. Wine-making dates back many centuries, having quenched the thirsts of the nobility and religious disciples who lived in the many castles and monasteries that dot the countryside.

Cigales sits in the Duero trough and straddles the Duero’s second largest tributary, the Pisuerga, which provides much-needed water to this otherwise dry region (annual rainfall is around 15 inches/400mm). Like other areas of Castilla y León, Cigales experiences a continental climate, with marked variations in seasonal and day temperatures. Summer temperatures of 104F (40C) and drought are not uncommon and severe winter frosts are a constant threat. The region’s soils largely consist of sand and chalk over clay and loam. Most vineyards sit at an altitude of 2300ft (750m).

Grapes

This is a region now mostly known for its rosados of Tinto del Pais (Tempranillo) and Garnacha, with quality red wines made from the same grapes. A small amount of white wine production is produced from Verdejo and Albillo. 

Severe heat experienced during the growing season ensures that the Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) and Garnacha (Grenache) grapes achieve maximum ripeness, producing the aromatic, lively and mostly dry rosé wines (rosado), for which the region is best known. Interesting red wines are also increasingly being produced, employing the same grape varieties. Although winemakers have started experimenting with international varieties; Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, which have been enjoying growing success in neighboring regions Toro (red varieties) and Rueda (white varieties).

A small quantity of white wine is made in Cigales, from Verdejo, Viura (Macabeo) and Albillo grapes. Whites have been permitted by the Consejo Regulador since 2011

 

Cigales Top Wines (Jancis Robinson)

Translanzas 2005

Sinforiano Vaquero Reserva 2005

Museum Real Reserva 2004

Valdelosfrailes, Pago de las Costanas  2003

Cesar Principe 2000 and 2005

 

The Wine: Museum Real Reserva 2008

 

Museum RealWine Maker:                 Finca Museum, Bodegas Museum , Cigales D.O. Castilla y Leon

Classification:               DO, Reserva, from  Cigales, Spain

Grape:                          Tempranillo, 60-100 years old vines

Vintage:                        2008       APV: 14%

Shelf Live:                    2015

Serving Temperature:   17C

Price:                           $25+ Shipping ($7)

Store:                           Hops and Grapes, Internet Order

Pairings:                       Meat, Grill, Heavy Menus, Aged Cheeses, Pasta

Local Availability:          None. Available only in NJ, NY, CN, CA and by Internet

Ratings:                       90+ Robert Parker

Tasting notes:

WS. This focused red offers crisp cherry and fresh herb flavors, with accents of vanilla and smoke. Features light tannins and fresh acidity.             RP. (2006) This is a Highly complex wine with intense cherry flavor and early petroleum aromas.  The 2006 Museum Real Reserva was sourced from 60- to 100-year-old vines with one-third of the wine aged for 20 months in French oak. It, too, displays some elegance to complement the       wine’s fragrant bouquet and savory flavors. It will benefit from 2-3 years   of additional cellaring and offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2021. The nose was very interesting with earthy red fruits and vanilla along with hints of spices and herbs.

The flavors were more black fruits along with currants, licorice and chocolate. The oakiness and  acidity were well balanced. Great finish with cassis. Evinces a whole spectrum of spicy notes to the nose, the result of its ageing in oak, combined with aromas of jam and ripe fruits. It is subtle and enveloping, with smoky cigar tones       which evolve towards notes of very ripe red fruits. Powerful, meaty and voluminous, the ripeness of the fruit has polished the tannins and overall it is velvety, tasty and expressive, with a magnificent mouthfeel and a very long finish.

Vintner: Similar to Chateauneuf-du-Pape but with concrete underneath.

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