Ribera del Duero

Located 160 kilometers (roughly 100 miles) north of Madrid on the extensive, elevated northern plateau of the Iberian peninsula, as its name suggests, Ribera del Duero follows the course of the Duero river, with vineyards on both bank sides, for approximately 115 kilometers (71 miles) upstream from Valladolid. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with a continental influence, with moderate/low average annual rainfall, dry summers, long, hard winters and dramatic temperature swings throughout the year (from -20 to 42° C, or -4 to 107° F).The high altitude of the region (between 720 and 1,000 meters) also allows for a greater thermal difference between night and day, which coupled with low yields and clay, limestone and stony soils with lower pH, helps provide fresher wines with greater acidity, more balance and longevity.