The beginnings of the D.O. Ribera del Duero

The Ribera del Duero designation of origin is a renowned wine region in Spain that is located in the Duero river basin, in the autonomous community of Castilla y León. The history of how this denomination of origin began dates back to the mid-19th century.

At that time, the Ribera del Duero region already had a deep-rooted winemaking tradition, with vineyards planted on the slopes of the Duero River. However, it was not until the middle of the 20th century when important changes took place that led to the creation of the appellation of origin.

In the 1970s, a group of winegrowers and winemakers in the area began to become aware of the quality and potential of the wines produced in Ribera del Duero. They realized that they had exceptional natural conditions, such as the extreme continental climate, the altitude and the calcareous soils, which were ideal for the cultivation of vines and the production of high quality wines.

These viticulturists and winemakers came together to establish a denomination of origin that would protect and promote Ribera del Duero wines. They worked on the geographical delimitation of the area, establishing the quality and elaboration criteria that the wines had to meet to carry the Ribera del Duero designation of origin.

In 1982, the Ribera del Duero designation of origin was officially granted by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture. This meant a legal recognition of the region and the quality of its wines.

Since then, the Ribera del Duero designation of origin has experienced great growth and recognition both nationally and internationally. Ribera del Duero wines have become some of the most valued and appreciated in Spain and in the world.

Today, the Ribera del Duero appellation of origin has strict regulations that oversee the production of wines in the region. These regulations include the exclusive use of authorized grape varieties, such as Tempranillo (locally known as Tinta del País), limitations on vineyard yields, and minimum aging requirements for wines.

In summary, the Ribera del Duero designation of origin began as an initiative of winegrowers and winemakers in the region in the 1970s, with the aim of protecting and promoting the high-quality wines produced in the area. Through its constant search for excellence and compliance with established regulations, Ribera del Duero has established itself as one of the most outstanding wine regions in Spain.