Ribera del Duero

Unknown prior to early 1980s, this region is now one of Spain’s foremost red wine region, rivaling Rioja. Traversed by the Duero, the river that in Portugal becomes the Douro and the home of port, the broad valley from Valladolid to Aranda de Duero has in fact a tradition of winemaking.

At 850m, the nights are remarkably cool, which is a big drop from the searing heat in the noon, providing the lively acidity for its wines. The reds are intense in colour, fruit and savour, quite different from Rioja which is just a mere 100km away.

Vega Sicilia is probably the most famous producer here, demonstrating the quality of the wine that can be made in this region for long. The estate was initially planted in the 1860s, with Bordeaux varieties. It’s Unico is only produced in good vintages, aged longer in oak than any other table wine, and sold at 10 years, with the Bordeaux grapes blended with the local Tempranillo.

However, most other producers have been focusing on Tinto Fino, with a little Garnacha and the white Albillo planted. In 1982 there were just 24 bodegas when the DO was created, but in 2005 there were already 215.

The soil varies greatly even in a single vineyard, but by far the most is limestone in the north. There is a strong tradition of buying grapes, but the top winemakers, like Dominio de Pingus, are cagey about their sources.

Two of the most successful producers are even outside the DO boundaries, with Abadia Retuerta and Mauro. Now many well-established producers from other regions come over to develop this region, and the prospect of Ribera del Duero is truly limitless.

Wine: Tinto Pesquera Millenium Reserva

Region / Country: Ribera del Duero Spain

Vintage: 2002

Grape: 100% Tempranillo

ABV: 13.5%                

Price: HK$698

Tasting Date: 20 December 2011

Wineshark Score: 92

Deep ruby with garnet rims, this Ribera del Duero Tempranillo has a fairly intense and developing aromas of blackberry, black cherry, plum, savory, liquorice, chocolate and smoke. Medium in acidity, the wine has medium tannin which is soft and velvety in texture. Fairly full body, with reasonable intensity flavors of black cherry, plum, prune, smoke, leather and cocoa. A reasonable length accompanies. Overall of very good quality, the nose is particularly complex encompassing a good balance of different aromas. Ready to drink now and has potential for further ageing of another 4-6 years.