Ribera del Duero can offer real value for money, says Pedro Ballestero Torres MW, who picks 12 Ribera del Duero wines under £30.
The quality of basic Ribera del Duero has definitely improved; the wines are more balanced; brettanomyces is less widespread; young wines are fresher and fruitier; prices are lower than in pre-2008; and oak is less prominent and more integrated. Now quality, distinctiveness, balance and drinkability are the priorities for producers. The wines are still rich and still powerful, but not the monsters of the past. Ribera’s top wines are characterised more and more by finesse rather than power.
- See below for Pedro Ballestero Torres MW’s great value Ribera del Duero
There is no better time to get to know Ribera del Duero. There are wines at every price range and style, but most are affordable, delivering real value for money. They tend to be suave and rich, with a velvety touch, and very food-friendly. The best wines are made to keep and will improve over time, ranging from a few years to decades. They represent an excellent investment in future pleasure and, increasingly, price. The top wines are truly unique, with a great diversity of expressions – some terroir-driven, others based upon top-quality fruit and long, careful ageing.
Pedro Ballestero Torres MW is Decanter World Wine Awards Regional co-Chair for Spain
