The transformation in this area in Spain over the last years has been vital for the winic sector. In fact, the important recognition that the Ribera del Duero has undergone has been essential for Viyuela and many other wineries appearing in numerous surrounding towns, that still attract investors.

The underground of many small towns in Spain  is practically hollow, with many caves devoted to store wine in order to guarantee such perfect conditions of humidity and temperature. Although many wineries have stopped producing, some others have been refurbished to allow wine production and visits. It is such an unforgattable experience for a wine lover to visit a traditional winery and drink a glass of wine after hearing the production stages that particular wine has undergone early since the grape are collected.


Every wine grower registered in Ribera del Duero,  has an ID card to control production because the Regulator Council limits the capacity depending on the number of hectares. However, as an exception, higher productions may be approved if positively analised by the Technical Services of the Regulator Council.
The wines produced in wineries registered in the Regulator Council of the Denomination of Origin making use of the traditional mentions of  Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva must be aged in oak barrels with a 330-litre limit capacity and follow these rules:


For a Crianza mention, red wines must not stay less than 12 months in oak barrels and 12 months in bottles.

For a Reserva mention, red wines must not stay less than 12 months in oak barrels and 24 months in bottles.

For a Gran Reserva mention, red wines must not age less than 70 months, of which at least 24 should have stayed in oak barrels.




Regulator Council from Ribera del Duero denomination of origin
Hospital, s/n
09300 - Roa de Duero
Burgos - Spain
http://www.riberadelduero.es
info@riberadelduero.es
Telephone: +34 947 541 221
Fax: +34 947 541 116



Go up: Ribera del Duero
Useful links: Drink Ribera

Culture of wine
In Spain there is a rising culture of wine. Being a traditional product, it has gradually been incorporating to our culture and nutritional habits. Under these conditions grape selection and a particular care in the elaboration process are essential to produce fine wines.