Ribera Wine Essentials

Essence of Spain Riberas terroir, culture, history, long tradition of wine

making results in the ultimate expression of Spain's noble grape:
Tempranillo

Product Quality Ribera represents the pinnacle of quality wine in Spain.

Flavor Profile Powerfully Elegant, the result of the unique climate, altitude, soil (unique terroir) that create such
well-balanced wines.

True Value because of Riberas dedication to quality wines and its range of styles.

Food Wines the versatility of styles and unique flavor profile are a great match for a wide range of foods and
occasions.

Wines to Recommend & Share quality, diverse styles result in food friendly wines and competitive pricing;
recommending a Ribera wine is a safe choice.

Map of Ribera del Duero

Geography Heart of the Duero

Ribera del Duero literally means the river-banks of the
Duero in the Ribera del Duero valley.
Its vineyards lie north and south of the river, running
up the banks to the high limestone cliffs where the
valley meets the meseta.

93 miles (115 km) long from east to west, and 22 miles (35 km) wide, the Ribera region flows from both sides of the
Duero.

An Ancient History

A 66 sq. meter Roman mosaic in Ribera del

Duero suggests that winemaking has existed in
this region for more than 2000 years.

After Roman times, came the Arab era, followed by the Christian
Reconquest. Vineyards and winemaking traditions were developed and
maintained by medieval monasteries, growing native Spanish grapes,
and making wine in tunnelled underground cellars which offered natural
temperature control.

In the late 1800s, phylloxera arrived in France, bringing an influx of

French winemakers and new techniques.

Modern History

Vega Sicila was founded in 1864 by Don Eloy

Lecanda Chavs, who had been studying oenology in
Bordeaux, and had brought back the French
varietals. The brand was created in 1915 and until the
birth of D.O. Ribera del Duero in 1982, was simply
labeled as Vino de Mesa (table wine)!

Vega Sicilia has been a key player in setting the high standards that Ribera del Duero wines are
known for today.

D.O. Ribera del Duero was created in 1982. The regions wineries have lead the way in
combining tradition with modern technology. There are over 270 wineries in the region, bound by
a common history and successful future in quality winemaking.

Unique by Nature
More than 2,400 hours of sunlight per year.

Only 450 mm of rainfall per year; 75-90 days a year.

Temperatures of 100F in summer and of 20F in winter.

Vineyards are planted between approximately 2,500 to 2,800 feet above sea level resulting in wide
temperature variations between day and night.

Unique Climate
Sudden storms, unpleasant winds, severe
freezing, and hot, dry conditions.
These unforeseeable contrasts affect the
development of the vineyards.
The intense cold delays the bud-breaking.
The sudden changes of temperature between
day and night in summer along with the high
levels of solar radiation bring about a perfect
balance of the fruit as it ripens.

Unique Soils

Most of the low lying soils near the river are composed
of sandy sediment, marl and alluvial rocks, while the
higher vineyards have a much larger content of chalky
limestone and clay.

Unique Soils
Campias lower lying plots along the river

East

bank; based on more clayey, alluvial soil with

some sand.
Laderas higher slopes, with more limestone
in the soil resembling albariza soil from
Jerez, where some of the best vines are
planted.
Cuestas rising above the laderas, harder

West

to work.
Pramos - the highest land, on steep slopes
and flat-topped mountain peaks; too exposed.

Unique Fruit

Tempranillo, also know as Tinto Fino or Tinta del

Pais, is the native varietal of the region.
Other authorized varieties are:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Malbec
Garnacha Tinta
Albillo is the only white varietal and is used for
rosados.
75% of the wine must be made with Tempranillo.

Our Secret: 1+2+3= Ribera del Duero

1. Our nature Intense cold

delays the bud-break.
The sudden changes of
temperature between day and
night in summer bring about a
perfect balance of the fruit as
it ripens.
High altitude on average.

2. Tempranillo

3. Focus on quality
Maximum yield is 7,000
kg. per hectare, but the
average in the last 22
years has never
reached 3,600 kg.

Our natural and original

grape variety, perfectly
suited to the
extreme conditions.

Since the creation of

the D.O., wineries have
combined tradition with
modern technology
which has proven to be
very successful.

Quality Control Range of Styles

Wine Classifications
Rosado: Fermented without the skin of the
grape, these wines may be enjoyed shortly after
the harvest.
Cosecha: or Joven usually do not see oak.
Joven Roble and Joven Barrica usually aged
for only three to six months in oak, released
soon after harvest.
Crianza: Aged at least for two years, a minimum of twelve months in oak barrels; year starts
October 1st.
Reserva: Aged at least for three years, a minimum of twelve months in oak barrels; year starts
December 1st.
Gran Reserva: Wines of outstanding quality, made in select vintage years only. Aged at least
of 5 years, with a minimum of 24 months in oak barrels; year starts December 1 st.
Wines are released to the market and ready to enjoy after resting in the cellar for its required

Drink Ribera. Drink Spain.

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