The best wines from Castilla Y Leon

Situated in the northwest of Spain, Castilla y León is known as being the largest of Spain's administrative regions

Geographically, Castilla y León occupies the Meseta Central, a plateau in the northern expanse of the Iberian Peninsula. This strategic location determines the region's climate, manifesting in arid, hot, and dusty summers, an environment that is ideal for viticulture. The expansive vineyards, many lining the banks of the river Duero, stretching into Portugal, give the region its character in growing a large variety of grape and wines in many different winestyles.

This province's wine history goes back millennia, preceding even the arrival of the Romans. The name Castilla y León was derived from the gathering of historical territories that once comprised and lent their names to the ancient Leon and Castile, leading to the formation of the present-day Autonomous Region of Castilla y León.

In the latter part of the 20th century, there was a large shift in focus: in stead of quantity, winemakers put their efforts in making quality wines. It propelled the region in fast pace and assured its place among esteemed winemaking regions worldwide.

All wines in Castillo Leon
Castillo Leon

Tempranillo and Verdejo

At the heart of Castilla y León's viticultural legacy, the production of red wines reigns supreme, esepcially in Toro and Ribera del Duero. The renowned Ribera del Duero region proudly houses one of Spain's most revered wineries, Vega Sicilia. It was here that the winery's founder introduced a palette of grape varieties sourced from France's renowned Bordeaux wine region, notably including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The viticultural landscape of Castilla y León thrives on the cultivation of the Tempranillo grape. Notably, the white grape Verdejo remains a favoured choice among white varietals. 

Terroir of Castilla y Leon

The climate is marked by its short but hot summers followed by cold winters.

The terroir of this region is characterized by undulating hills and diverse soils, including alluvial, limestone, and chalky compositions.

The peaks soaring to heights of 1100 meters above sea level encircle Castilla y León, providing a shield from the westerly Atlantic influences.

Classifications of Castilla Y Leon

Castilla y León is a region renowned for its significant role in winemaking, containing various Denominación de Origens (DOs).

  • D.O. Ribera del Duero: This famous wine region produces exceptional Tempranillo wines, often rivaling those of Rioja. Some of the vineyards are elevated above 850 meters.
  • D.O. Rueda: Known for producing some of the finest white wines in Castilla y León, primarily made from the Verdejo grape.
  • D.O. Bierzo: Located in the northwestern corner of Castilla y León, this small yet prestigious DO shares borders with Galicia and Asturias. It is under the influence of strong Atlantic winds, resulting in a cooler and wetter climate, perfect for the production of white Godello and (red or rosé) Mencia wines.
  • D.O. Toro: Known for its robust red Tempranillo made from the indigenous Tinta de Toro vines. This DO is named after the nearby town of Toro, meaning 'bull' in Spanish. The arid climate and sandy soils proved resistant to the European phylloxera outbreak, preserving old ungrafted vine strains still cultivated in this area.
  • Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León: This appellation offers more flexibility, free from the stringent restrictions of the DO system. Winemakers here use more international grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, or Syrah, unusual in this region.


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