GRAPE VARIETIES
Also known in the region as Tinta del País or Tinto Fino, the Tempranillo grape is our main variety and gives the red wines of Ribera del Duero their characteristic colour, aroma and body. Other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Garnacha Tinta are also grown, though in lesser quantities. The main authorised white grape variety is Albillo Mayor.
Intense cold spells delay the budding of the vines. The dramatic changes in temperature between day and night at the end of the summer create a perfect balance in the fruit during ripening. In autumn, grapes of a magnificent quality are harvested.
The maximum permitted production per hectare is 7,000 kilograms and grapes from plots whose yields exceed this authorised limit cannot be used to make wines protected by the Ribera del Duero appellation seal.
VARIETY
Tempranillo
Exceptional adaptation. Closed petiolar sinus, hairy-scratchy underside. Bunches are compact, double-shouldered and medium-sized.
The Tempranillo grape produces wines with an intense purple colour. Aromas of blackberry, combined with black forest fruits. Structured to sweet tannin in over-ripening, medium acidity.
VARIETY
Cabernet Sauvignon
Good adaptation. Petiolar sinus open in a U-shape, underside not very hairy-scratchy. Small, compact bunches with small, spherical berries. Late budding.
It produces wines of high acidity, with aromas of green pepper that develop into black fruit on over-ripening. High levels of tannin.
VARIETY
Merlot
Medium adaptation, difficult fruit set, low production. Medium-sized leaves with an open petiolar sinus, scratchy underside and a blunt petiole. Medium, loose bunches of semi blue-coloured berries. Late ripening.
Medium acidity, with aromas of black fruit combined with hints of dried fruits and nuts. Medium tannin.
VARIETY
Malbec
Medium adaptation, low production. Very large orbicular leaves, with a tangent-edged petiolar sinus and a scratchy, balled underside. Medium, loose bunches with reddish peduncles and pedicels and small berries. Late budding.
A wine of high acidity, with aromas of black fruit combined with hints of menthol and balsamic notes. Medium tannin.
VARIETY
Garnacha
Very good adaptation, high production, low grade. Large orbicular-cuneiform leaves with petiolar sinus often open in a V shape. Green nerves and petioles, medium-sized, compact and very late-ripening bunches.
Aromatic wines dominated by ripe strawberry, with pale colour and medium acidity. Medium tannin. High oxidative potential.
VARIETY
Albillo
Very good adaptation, early ripening, medium production, medium grade as a white variety. Upright growth, brownish-yellow skin colour. Coriform leaves with petiolar sinus often open in a U-shape. The underside is scratchy, with hairy nerves and a glabrous petiole. Medium, loose bunches with very thin-skinned golden berries.
Aromatic wines dominated by pip and stone fruits, apple and peach, with a very subtle colour, between pale straw yellow and pale steely yellow. Medium acidity."