The terroir of Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero experiences dry summers and intense winters, which allows for gradual ripening of grapes, resulting in the production of high-quality wines. Due to the of continental and Mediterranean influences, Vineyards experiences high daytime temperatures of up to 40°C, dropping to 15°C at night. These temperature variations positively affect the grapes' absorption of nutrients and acidity. The diverse soil types in the area contribute to the variety of wine styles and qualities, especially away from the river locations, where the soils are sandy and lay on top of limestone layers.
The region's wines are full, ripe and generally have a substantial alcohol percentage, but also a good acidity that ensures finesse and a good balance. Perhaps most important for the quality of Ribera wines is the diurnal range during the growing season. Due to the location of the vineyards between 720 to 1,100 meters above sea level on the Spanish mountain plateau "Meseta Central", temperatures drop dramatically at night. Therefore, the grapes hold on to their acidity that you'll taste in the wines.
Ribera del Duero's area is characterised as a vast, level terrain following the river Douro, However, the soils vary significantly based on altitude. The vineyards span from the river valley to the mountain peaks, often structured in terraces. The lower areas, like riverbanks and lower lands, are termed as "campiñas" or "terrazas." The less steep slopes, referred to as ‘’laderas’’, are optimal for vine cultivation, while the 'cuestas' or steep slopes are unsuitable for planting. The highest terrains, known as ‘’páramo’’, are more conducive to growing grains due to intense solar radiation.
The climate here is less moderate than in Rioja, and therefore has more extremes. The locals themselves describe the climate as “9 months of winter, 3 months of hell”. The number of sun hours is 2,400 per year. Summer days are hot and in winter temperatures easily drop to -20 °C and lower.
