 Essence of Spain – Ribera’s terroir, culture, history, long tradition of wine making results in the ultimate expression of Spain's noble grape: Tempranillo  Product Quality – Ribera represents the pinnacle of quality wine in Spain.  Flavor Profile – “Powerfully Elegant,” the result of the unique climate, altitude, soil (unique terroir) that create such well-balanced wines.  True Value – because of Ribera’s dedication to quality wines and its range of styles.  Food Wines – the versatility of styles and unique flavor profile are a great match for a wide range of foods and occasions.  Wines to Recommend & Share – quality, diverse styles result in food friendly wines and competitive pricing; recommending a Ribera wine is a safe choice. Ribera Wine Essentials

Map of Ribera del Duero

Geography – Heart of the Duero Ribera del Duero literally means the river-banks of the Duero in the Ribera del Duero valley. It’s vineyards lie north and south of the river, running up the banks to the high limestone cliffs where the valley meets the “meseta”. 93 miles (115 km) long from east to west, and 22 miles (35 km) wide, the Ribera region flows from both sides of the Duero.

An Ancient History A 66 sq. meter Roman mosaic in Ribera del Duero suggests that winemaking has existed in this region for more than 2000 years. After Roman times, came the Arab era, followed by the Christian Reconquest. Vineyards and winemaking traditions were developed and maintained by medieval monasteries, growing native Spanish grapes, and making wine in tunnelled underground cellars which offered natural temperature control. In the late 1800’s, phylloxera arrived in France, bringing an influx of French winemakers and new techniques.

Modern History Vega Sicila was founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda Chavés, who had been studying oenology in Bordeaux, and had brought back the French varietals. The brand was created in 1915 and until the birth of D.O. Ribera del Duero in 1982, was simply labeled as “Vino de Mesa” (table wine)! Vega Sicilia has been a key player in setting the high standards that Ribera del Duero wines are known for today. D.O. Ribera del Duero was created in The region’s wineries have lead the way in combining tradition with modern technology. There are over 270 wineries in the region, bound by a common history and successful future in quality winemaking.

Unique by Nature More than 2,400 hours of sunlight per year. Only 450 mm of rainfall per year; days a year. Temperatures of 100ºF in summer and of –20ºF in winter. Vineyards are planted between approximately 2,500 to 2,800 feet above sea level resulting in wide temperature variations between day and night.

Unique Climate Sudden storms, unpleasant winds, severe freezing, and hot, dry conditions. These unforeseeable contrasts affect the development of the vineyards. The intense cold delays the bud-breaking. The sudden changes of temperature between day and night in summer along with the high levels of solar radiation bring about a perfect balance of the fruit as it ripens.

Unique Soils Most of the low lying soils near the river are composed of sandy sediment, marl and alluvial rocks, while the higher vineyards have a much larger content of chalky limestone and clay.

Unique Soils “Campiñas” – lower lying plots along the river bank; based on more clayey, alluvial soil with some sand. “Laderas” – higher slopes, with more limestone in the soil resembling “albariza” soil from Jerez, where some of the best vines are planted. “Cuestas” – rising above the “laderas”, harder to work. “Páramos” - the highest land, on steep slopes and flat-topped mountain peaks; too exposed. East West

Unique Fruit Tempranillo, also know as “Tinto Fino” or “Tinta del Pais”, is the native varietal of the region. Other authorized varieties are: Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Malbec Garnacha Tinta Albillo is the only white varietal and is used for rosados. 75% of the wine must be made with Tempranillo.

Our “Secret”: 1+2+3= Ribera del Duero 1. Our nature – Intense cold delays the bud-break. The sudden changes of temperature between day and night in summer bring about a perfect balance of the fruit as it ripens. High altitude on average. 2. Tempranillo Our natural and original grape variety, perfectly suited to the extreme conditions. 3. Focus on quality Maximum yield is 7,000 kg. per hectare, but the average in the last 22 years has never reached 3,600 kg. Since the creation of the D.O., wineries have combined tradition with modern technology which has proven to be very successful.

American consumers enjoy Spanish red in general, and Tempranillo, in particular, but they prefer the bolder expression of Tempranillo from Ribera, which delivers varietal power and elegance. Our Wine

Quality Control – Range of Styles Wine Classifications  Rosado: Fermented without the skin of the grape, these wines may be enjoyed shortly after the harvest.  Cosecha: or “Joven” usually do not see oak. “Joven Roble” and “Joven Barrica” usually aged for only three to six months in oak, released soon after harvest.  Crianza: Aged at least for two years, a minimum of twelve months in oak barrels; year starts October 1 st.  Reserva: Aged at least for three years, a minimum of twelve months in oak barrels; year starts December 1 st.  Gran Reserva: Wines of outstanding quality, made in select vintage years only. Aged at least of 5 years, with a minimum of 24 months in oak barrels; year starts December 1 st. Wines are released to the market and ready to enjoy after resting in the cellar for its required time according to the D.O.

TEN YEAR VINTAGE CHART YearRating 2008 Very Good 2007 Very Good 2006Good 2005 Very Good 2004 Excellent 2003 Very Good 2002 Very Good 2001 Excellent 2000 Very Good 1999Excellent 1998Very Good

Ribera del Duero wines consistently rank among the highest rated wines from Spain… as reviewed this year: Drink Ribera. Drink Spain. What the experts say: Wine Spectator: 95 points – February 2009 Wine Advocate: 99 points (highest from Spain) – June 2009 Wine Enthusiast: 93 points – March 2009 International Wine Cellar: 96 points (highest from Spain) – September/October 2009 Wine & Spirits: 94 points – October 2009

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