Ribera del Duero Report 2025: Our experts’ favourite new wines redefining this premium Spanish region
Our first Ribera del Duero report, looking at the wines released in the 12 months leading to our tasting, gave us a snapshot of the challenges and transformations happening apace in the renowned region.
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There was a feeling of careful optimism when Almudena Alberca MW and I spent a week, in late May, in Ribera del Duero, tasting and talking to producers for this report.
The verdant hills, dotted with the joyous, profuse colourfulness of wild flowers, painted a very different picture from previous years of bleached-pastel drought. Would the same contrast be reflected in the wines?
The impact of these challenging vintages, especially in a region where concentration and tannins are stylistic trademarks, could be problematic.
Our fears were unfounded. What we encountered in the glass was, instead, a willingness to embrace viticultural challenges and seek balance without avoiding the different profile and power of the fruit brought in by each harvest.
The contrasts were obvious but welcome.
Playing with time and style
Beyond the older vintages found in the Reserva and Gran Reserva categories, most of the wines submitted (released in the 12 months leading to our tasting) were from the 2021 and 2022 harvest.
The former, a cool ‘pre-drought’ vintage had a potential for freshness and finesse which were leveraged by its best examples (on the other hand, the lower-scoring iterations struggled with harsh tannins and difficult integration of wood).
The 2022 vintage followed with potentially problematic concentration. However, winemakers were able to translate it into a robust classicism, deftly using wood to add complexity to the intensity and ripeness.
In both vintages, the standout wines begin to show an expressive development that underscores both the identity of the vintages and the further ageing potential, albeit following very different trajectories – chiseled definition for the 2021s; opulent complexity for the 2022s.
Affordable diversity
A refreshing surprise was the early release of some energetic 2024s, full of crunchy if broody primary fruit.
It’s a daring proposition that shows Ribera del Duero producers willing to venture further and further from the stylistic assumptions of what a Ribera red should taste like – and of how long it should wait in the cellar.
On the same note, the older vintages released under the generic category are also increasingly symptomatic of the wider changes happening in the region.
Producers are less bound by ageing and labelling categories and truly willing to ‘listen’ to the wine (rather than imposing a stylistic recipe), experiment with fermentation vessels and hold stock for maturation in bottle prior to release.
This gives the consumer intriguing (and affordable) access to various vintages – all, in their own way, showing great drinkability – as well as to a range of approaches and styles, beyond the traditional categorisation.
The top-scoring wines from the ‘generic’ category (i.e. not labelled as Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva) featured below, clearly showcase this diversity.
Back to the vineyard
The common denominator seems to be – and was apparent both in the tasting room and while visiting producers – a fierce and humble engagement with what’s happening in the vineyard.
The increasingly viticulture-led approach is both a necessity – imposed by climate change and extreme weather events in recent vintages – and part of the soul-searching catalysed by a movement to rediscover a ‘pre-modern’ Ribera del Duero.
A renewed focus on old plots, clonal diversity and softer-handed winemaking approach, is yielding more diversity and expressiveness. And the increased focus on white wines is yet another symptom of this shift and creative energy.
All of this helps us to understand the different faces of Tinto Fino we tasted, all with their own identity. There was nuance and depth, difference and character, against a backdrop of technical ability and consistent quality.
Challenges notwithstanding, Ribera del Duero is turning an interesting corner. Rather than outliers, the terroir-specific wines are as essential for understanding of the region as the high-achieving stylistic-led counterparts.
Extremely able and knowledgeable winemakers play on both camps.
Moving forward, with nature and markets in turmoil, the way Ribera del Duero producers seem to be attuned with their vineyards and the clear intent with which they work in the cellar promise great things in coming releases.
Not least because the very essence of Ribera del Duero seems to be questioning its founding premises. That there is a willingness to do so is remarkable in itself.
Ribera del Duero Report 2025: Top-scoring diversity
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Cruz de Alba, Finca Los Hoyales, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2018
A wine that needs time in the glass; once it's been allowed to blossom it reveals complex layers of pomegranate, cranberry, fennel seed and plum...
2018
Cruz de AlbaRibera del Duero
Pago de los Capellanes, Parcela El Picón, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2020
Intense spiciness and smokiness on the nose, with a unctuous lining of dark liquorice, coffee, burnt caramel and molasses. Beautiful detail with floral touches hovering...
2020
Pago de los CapellanesRibera del Duero
Sei Solo, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
A round, full-bodied wine, well balanced with intense, concentrated and elevated fruit. Plenty of cherry and candied red berries with nuances of smoky meaty and...
2022
Sei SoloRibera del Duero
Valdemonjas, Abri Las Alas, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
Fruit concentration and complexity with layers of black cherry liqueur, chocolate and coffee beans. Great balance between the expressive fruit and the chewy texture of...
2022
ValdemonjasRibera del Duero
Vizcarra, Celia, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
Ripe, intense forest fruit, fresh lavender and rosemary aromas combined with touches of liquorice, smoke and sweet spices. The elevated fruit is perfectly balanced by...
2022
VizcarraRibera del Duero
Aster, El Espino, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2021
Fresh, crunchy quality to the red and citrus fruit backed by distinct vegetal and herbal notes: roasted tomatoes and peppers, coffee beans, sweet liquorice, dark...
2021
AsterRibera del Duero
Cillar de Silos, La Viña de Amalio, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
Ripe black forest fruit, blackberry jam and plenty of garrigue herbs on the nose, all topped with smoky nuances. This will need time in bottle...
2022
Cillar de SilosRibera del Duero
Dominio de Montelahorra, Valezar La Horra, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2021
Intense nose, layering ripe cherries, chocolate and sweet spices. The luscious fruit is perfectly integrated with the oak, supporting the long length and persistence of...
2021
Dominio de MontelahorraRibera del Duero
Protos, Protos '27, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
A deep, complex nose, led by black cherry liqueur and chocolate with hints of coffee beans. Full and rich, but able to balance intense fruit...
2022
ProtosRibera del Duero
Yllera, Vivaltus, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2019
Complex, expressive bouquet of tobacco leaves, rose petals, cherry leaves, dried fig and undergrowth. Toasty almonds and hazelnuts line the tannins, while the fruit is...
2019
YlleraRibera del Duero
Abadía de San Quirce, M9, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
Broody black fruit and liquorice on the nose, with hints of garrigue, toast and smoke. Full-bodied, showing perfect balance between the fruit concentration and the...
2022
Abadía de San QuirceRibera del Duero
Alonso del Yerro, María, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2021
A really beautiful framework, supported by toasty, savoury tannins, defines this wine of great elegance, offset by juicy fluidity. Expressive, broody nose mingling dried blackcurrants,...
2021
Alonso del YerroRibera del Duero
Dominio de Cair, Las Matillas, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
More red fruit – combined with soft, creamy mocha notes – and more freshness than many other wines from this vintage. Slight reduction on the...
2022
Dominio de CairRibera del Duero
Finca Villacreces, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2020
A complex wine that slowly reveals beautiful cherry and blueberry fruit, combined perfectly with mocha and sweet baking spices. The palate is perfectly supported by...
2020
Finca VillacrecesRibera del Duero
Magna Vides, Bancales del Sardal, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2023
Red forest fruit and red cherries mingle in this wine of great youthfulness and freshness. At 25% of the blend, white Albillo Mayor gives lightness...
2023
Magna VidesRibera del Duero
Pago de Carraovejas, Cuesta de las Liebres, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2020
Fragrant, beautiful nose weaving dried violets, coffee beans, sweet liquorice, prune, Earl Grey and plum jam. Very well presented tannins, earthy yet fine. Long tail...
2020
Pago de CarraovejasRibera del Duero
Rento, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2016
Robust and characterful with finely layered plum, redcurrant, Oolong tea, salty liquorice, dried black olive and dried fig – all lined with Mediterranean herbs. Lovely...
2016
RentoRibera del Duero
Resalte, Expresión, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2020
Lots of detail and freshness on the nose with a beautiful herbal frame of oregano, tarragon, thyme and saffron, outlined by blood orange zest. On...
2020
ResalteRibera del Duero
Vizcarra, Inés Vizcarra, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
Perfumed with ripe black forest fruit, cherries in chocolate liqueur and sweet baking spices. Fine concentration on the palate, the elevated fruit concentration perfectly balanced...
2022
VizcarraRibera del Duero
Abadía de San Quirce, Finca Helena, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
Complex nose, with layers of candied black cherries, sweet baking spices and leather. A wine with a classy and classic approach. Very elegant integration of...
2022
Abadía de San QuirceRibera del Duero
Aalto, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
Intense purple colour revealing its youth and vibrancy. Deep, complex aromas, with layers of cherry and forest fruit, woven with thyme, liquorice and creamy toast....
2022
AaltoRibera del Duero
Aalto, PS, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
Very perfumed, with aromas of black forest fruit, candied cherries, chocolate and coffee beans. Powdery tannins frame the palate, with its intense black cherry fruit...
2022
AaltoRibera del Duero
Alberto y Benito, Briego Eterno, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain
Expressive, detailed nose of sweet liquorice, coffee beans, molasses, blueberry and thyme jam. Fragrant sage and violets play in the background. The tannins are round,...
Alberto y BenitoRibera del Duero
Bodegas Balbás, Balbás, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2020
Intense, layered toastiness, showcasing charred oak, molasses, burnt caramel and black pepper; cocoa nibs, crunchy black cherry and toasted walnuts add nuance. Really elegant, with...
2020
Bodegas BalbásRibera del Duero
Cepa 21, Malabrigo, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2022
A bit restrained at first, this wine needs time in the glass to reveal its depth and intense blackberry and blueberry fruit, liquorice and toast....
2022
Cepa 21Ribera del Duero
Dominio de Cair, Selección La Aguilera, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2021
Restrained forest fruit and red cherry lead the nose, followed by elegant, creamy notes and hints of violet. Excellent balance between the vibrant, concentrated fruit...
2021
Dominio de CairRibera del Duero
Dominio de Calogía, Doble M, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2021
Intense, alluring nose of black olive tapenade, prune and red apple. Seductive broodiness, with a backdrop of sweet liquorice giving vividness and intensity. Savoury, fleshy...
2021
Dominio de CalogíaRibera del Duero
Dominio del Pidio, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2021
Beautiful detail of crunchy cherry, pomegranate and rhubarb. Tannins are fine but intensely zesty, especially on the mid-palate, lined with fennel, rockrose, nettle, rose petal,...
2021
Dominio del PidioRibera del Duero
Finca Rodma, Avizor, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2021
Expressive savouriness of tobacco leaf, dark liquorice and dark chocolate leading the aromatic profile. On the palate, clementine, pomegranate, ripe strawberry, black olive brine, oregano,...
2021
Finca RodmaRibera del Duero
Finca Villacreces, Nebro, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 2021
Characterful nose of distinct, alluring roasted peppers, tomatoes and artichokes. Deep, slightly confected profile to the fruit, but with a crunchy bite. Tannins are ripe,...
2021
Finca VillacrecesRibera del Duero
Francisco Barona, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2023
Liquorice and black forest fruit combined with toasty, smoky aromas. Robust fruit concentration, which is very well balanced by the fleshy mid-palate and smooth tannins....
2023
Francisco BaronaRibera del Duero
Garmón, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 2021
Fluid red and blue fruit fill the mouth, outlined by zesty, grippy tannins. A savoury rim of dried sage, oregano, bay leaf and rosemary gives...
2021
GarmónRibera del Duero
Magna Vides, Viña del Cuadrón, Ribera del Duero, Northern Spain, Spain, 2023
Intense, deep aromas of fresh forest fruit, lavender and rosemary. Elegant and well balanced, the bright primary fruit is outlined by barely perceptible, finely textured...
2023
Magna VidesRibera del Duero
Protos, Carroa, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 2021
Deep plum and blackberry fruit with a fragrant backdrop of tobacco leaves, dried violets, thyme and tarragon. Dark chocolate creates an intense, broody background, held...
2021
ProtosRibera del Duero
Sei Solo, Preludio de Sei Solo, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 2022
A deep nose of intense savouriness, with weaves of oily black olive tapenade, plum jam, black cherry jam, sweetened Earl Grey and cherry sorbet; sage,...
2022
Sei SoloRibera del Duero
Valderiz, Tomás Esteban, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Léon, Spain, 2018
Sage, thyme and rose petals mingle playfully on the nose. Vibrant and expressive with camphor and lavender lifting the intense, juicy red and blue fruit...
2018
ValderizRibera del Duero
