ASMALLWORLD Recommends: Ribera del Duero

Grape vines thrive in the Duero Valley, where the Douro River cuts through the rocky terrain and undulating hillsides of Spain and northern Portugal. This vast water system is key to the region's rich wine culture, from its origins in Soria, Spain, to the final stop of its journey in Porto, the Portuguese capital of dessert wine. The Spanish area of Ribera del Duero forms one of eleven quality wine regions in Castile and León. Our editors have delved into the background and relevance of the region.

From grape to glass: a brief history

In part due to its geographical location, winemaking in Ribera del Duero dates back more than 2,000 years ago. Head to the town of Baños de Valdearados to find a 66-metre Roman-era mosaic of Bacchus, the god of wine – a relic of the region’s winemaking origins. Today, there are approximately 300 wineries stretching for 70 miles in the Ribera del Duero. The most prominent wineries are centred around the municipalities of Burgos, Valladolid, Soria, Segovia and Pesquera, where the nearby Vega Sicilia winery has been frequented by some prominent names, including King Charles III.

The Ribera del Duero region is made up of a combination of elements, which together form the perfect winemaking conditions. The soil consists of soft sand, limestone, marl and chalk-like concretions, which create a porous surface for water absorption. The vines are scattered across both sides of the Duero Valley, which offers a sheltered environment for them to thrive in.

THE ROLLING HILLSIDES AND LADEN VINES OF RIBERA DEL DUERO

Summers here can easily reach 40 degrees Celsius, giving way to cold nights and winters. Despite common misconceptions, these contrasting temperatures allow for the containment of soil nutrients, which leads to a more intact root-to-vine nutrient journey. These conditions are favoured by red wine grape varieties, which produce deep, full-bodied wines rich with tannins.

The most popular grape variety here is Tempranillo, locally known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais, a native Spanish grape. According to Denominación de Origen (“DO”), a national body which encourages the production of high-quality wines, regional red wines must use blends made up of 75% of the Tempranillo grape variety to achieve DO-accreditation. Other varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and in some cases Garnacha, which is used to produce rosé wines.

STACKS OF THE REGION’S WINE BARRELS FILLED WITH AGEING RED WINE

Where to stay

Situated right on the banks of the Duero River is Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine, a five-star hotel, spa, and winery. The property is housed in a 12th-century Romanesque abbey perched on a hillside scattered with vines. Enjoy a light aperitif on the terrace or dine amongst vintage wines and monastic cloisters before retreating to the award-winning wellness sanctuary. Here, you can enjoy an indulgent treatment, yoga class, gym session, or even a ‘spa sommelier’ package, where you can cleanse your palate with a therapeutic wine tasting session. When it’s time to tuck in for the night, there are 27 guest rooms and three suites featuring bespoke artwork, pillow menus, and a 24-hour butler service.

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