In many bar and restaurants of Spain when ordering a wine we are frequently asked which wine we prefer to take and the options they offer are between these two wine regions. Here it is explained what make them different that it will help you to select.
Rioja and Ribera del Duero are the most famous wine regions of Spain. Both regions have things in common such as the soil and that they make wine with Tempranillo grape variety, but some differences make them not being alike .
Rioja and Ribera del Duero are the most famous wine regions of Spain.
History
Even though both regions have been making wine for hundred of years, Rioja was organized earlier than Ribera del Duero. Rioja's Denomination of origin (D.O) was established in 1925 and Ribera del Duero's D.O. was established in 1982.
Denomination of Origin (D.O.) is the board which regulates the standards of quality of some products in Spain.
Climate
Rioja has a moderate weather, with not so cold winters, warm autumns and not too hot summers. Consequently the maceration of the grape is slow. The wines tend to be elegant and delicated but lighter.
Ribera del Duero has extreme climate, long and cold winters, very hot summers and not so many rain through the year. The maceration is fast and create more concentrated and full body wines. Â
Grapes Variety and production
The Denomination of origin (D.O.) establish the grapes and the procedures to make wine under the D.O.
Rioja
There are 607 wineries registered under D.O. Rioja with aproduction of 485,000 tons of grapes per year.
The grapes authorized for making D.O. Rioja wines are:
Red Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Graciano, Mazuelo and Maturana Tinta.
White Grape: Viura, Malvasia, Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Blanco, Garnacha Blanca, Torrontes, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo.
Red wine must have at least 95% of authorized red grapes and it may contain up to 5% of authorized white grapes.
Ribera del Duero
There are 315 wineries registered under D.O. Ribera del Duero with aproduction of 125,000 tons of grapes per year.
The grapes authorized for making D.O. Ribera del Duero wines are:
Red Grape: Tinta Fina (Tempranillo), Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot  and Malbec.
White Grape: Albillo Mayor.
Red wine must have at least 75% of Tinta Fina (Tempranillo) and it may contain up to 5% of Albillo Mayor.
White wine started to be part of D.O. Ribera del Duero in October, 2019.
The only single varietal allowed is Tinta Fina (Tempranillo)
In nose and mouth
All of above will help to understand and be able to recognise the character and personality of the wines.
Ribera del Duero having a more concentrated grape produce wines with more intense flavour and color. Due to the more quantity of tannins is more astringent. Te wines tend to have higher alcohol content. Aroma is another sign of identity having aromas of black fruits as blackberry and aromas to matured fruit. Some experts claim that they smell like yogurt. In mouth it feels powerful, with a sensation of filling the mouth.
Rioja, in the other hand, it is lighter and gives more fruity flavoured wines. Tehy have aromas of red fruit as strawberries and raspberry. The are more acid. In mouth they are light, elegant and fruity.
Pairing
Both of them are good companion for many dishes, but due the character of each wine, one may be more suitable than the other.
Ribera del Duero are more recommended for dishes with strong flavours as stews and meat.
Rioja pairs well with wider range of dishes, more elborated recipes even some oily fish.
Aging
Both D.O. has the same clasification by aging. There are just only some small differences in young wines.
Ribera del Duero has another term used in their young wines, Roble (Oak). This show that wines stayed in oak barrel at least 3 month.
Rioja and Ribera del Duero are amazing wines for any occasion. You decide which one to choose at that moment.
