Ribera del Duero, Spain

Ribera del Duero is a Spanish Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) located in the country's northern plateau and is one of eleven 'quality wine' regions within the autonomous community of Castile and León. The region is characterised by a largely flat, rocky terrain and is centred on the town of Aranda de Duero, although the most famous vineyards surround Peñafiel and Roa de Duero to the west, where the regional regulatory council or Consejo Regulador for the denominación is based. Ribera del Duero offers a different style of Tempranillo (locally known as Tinto Fino) to Rioja, and is best known for its muscular reds, Some wines are blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Malbec.