IBERIAN SUPERSTARS REGION BY REGION PART 1

RIBERA DEL DUERO

Ribera del Duero is a Spanish (DO) located in the country's northern plateau. It is also one of several recognised wine-producing regions to be found along the course of the Duero river others include Toro and Rueda. The Ribera del Duero is located on the extensive, elevated northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. As its name suggests, the region follows the course of the Duero river for approximately 115 km.The region is characterised by a largely flat, rocky terrain, Ribera del Duero is dedicated almost entirely to the production of red wine, the vast majority of production is dedicated to Tinto Fino (the local name for Tempranillo), the most popular grape in the northern half of the Spanish peninsula. The Albillo grape is the only white variety grown, white wines being mostly destined for local consumption.

RUEDA

To west of Ribera Del Duero along the Duero River is Rueda DO. It is known primarily for its quality white wines based on the verdejo grape. The climate is continental (long hot summers, cold winters) with a certain Atlantic maritime influences. Temperatures vary widely and can drop below zero in winter (-1°C) and can reach 30°C in summer, which is not as high as similar wine-producing regions in Southern Central Spain. There is a risk of frost, freezing fog, high winds and hailstones in winter/spring. On the other hand there is only a very small possibility of drought. Rueda mainly produces whites from Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon blanc, and a very small amount of reds.

TORO

 The area covered by the Toro DO is to the west  along the Duero river  from Rueda D.O and Ribera Del Duero. Toro has experienced rapid growth in the last decade with the number of producers almost trebling in number, it is considered the rising star of the Spanish wineworld. The area has an extreme continental climate (long, hot summers, cold winters) with small Atlantic influences. Temperatures vary greatly, ranging from -11°C in winter to 37°C in summer. Rainfall is light, with high chance of drought. Wine produced here is almost exclusively red from the local variety of Tempranillo called Tinta de Toro, almost no other red grapes are grown and the small amount of  whites produced, are for local consumption only. Due to the long hours of daylight Toro wines tend to be high in Alcohol and to gain Toro D.O status a wine must be vinified at 15% ABV or less.