What if you were a grape… which one would you choose?
For me, Tempranillo rules the vine kingdom with confidence and poise, just like a celebrity on the red carpet. Known as Spain’s “noble grape,” Tempranillo ripens early (hence the name), adapts to diverse climates and soils, and dominates almost every vineyard in the country—especially in Ribera del Duero and Rioja.
Introducing Tempranillo
Tempranillo is celebrated across Spain under many names—Tinta del País, Tinto Fino, Cencibel, Aragonez—but in Ribera del Duero, it truly shines. This region, officially recognized in 1982, has turned Tempranillo into its rock star grape.
Dual Personalities: Ribera del Duero vs. Rioja
Travel two and a half hours from Madrid, and you embark on a journey through Ribera del Duero’s terraced vineyards—across Burgos, Valladolid, Segovia, and Soria—shaped by the Duero River as it flows to Portugal and the Atlantic. Ribera del Duero wines are typically 90–100% Tempranillo, with small additions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec allowed, and up to 5% of Garnacha or Albillo.
Aging Levels Explained
Aging categories—Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva—apply equally here and in Rioja, but the result in Ribera del Duero is often richer, more opulent, and rounded thanks to frequent use of French oak
Crianza: ≥24 months total, ≥12 in oak
Reserva: ≥36 months total, ≥12 in oak
Gran Reserva: ≥60 months total, ≥24 in oak and ≥36 in bottle
Discovering Ribera del Duero
Aranda de Duero
Heart of the region, famed for its 7 km of underground medieval wine cellars at constant cool 12 °C—perfect for aging wines and exploring history. Over 300 wineries await just steps from the town square.
Peñaranda de Duero & the Night of 13,000 Candles
Each August 1st, this medieval village extinguishes city lights and lights up 13,000 candles. Historic streets glow as locals and visitors enjoy torchlight parades, music, opera, and theater inside its monument-filled old quarter.
Wine Highlights & Wineries
Some stand-out producers include Vega Sicilia, Pingus, Raíz de Guzmán (100% Tempranillo), Protos, Prado Rey, and Bodegas Arzuaga—luxury estates offering wine, hotels, restaurants, and winemaking immersions. These stops feel as breathtaking for their architecture as they are for their wines.
Insider Tip: Explore the Medieval Cellar Tunnels & Try Grooving Down the Vineyard by Bike
Go underground—literally!
In Aranda de Duero, you can tour centuries‑old cellar tunnels carved beneath the town. Walk through cool, 12 °C corridors used since medieval times for wine aging. Top it off with a tasting at places like El Lagar de Isilla, where sipping Tempranillo underground and pairing it with local suckling lamb (lechazo) creates an unforgettable ambiance.
Cycle through the vines at sunset
At Finca Villacreces you can pedal among the vines as the sun sets over the Duero Valley. Finish with a rosé (Avaniel Rosado) tasting while watching the sky turn pink—often enjoyed from a traditional pórron, the iconic spouted glass that adds flair—and awareness of shared Spanish tradition.
