In the heart of Castilla y León, the Rueda Designation of Origin is a clear example of how a terroir and a specific grape variety can give rise to an oenological identity that crosses borders.

Rueda has gone from being a well-kept secret of Castilla y León to one of the most valued denominations of origin internationally. Located in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León, this wine region extends over 74 municipalities in the provinces of Valladolid, Segovia and Ávila.

The history of wine in the Rueda region dates back more than a thousand years, to the time of the reconquest of Muslim territories in the eleventh century. Historical chronicles relate that after the reconquest of Valladolid and the lands of Castile and León, Christian monks and clerics promoted the planting of vineyards to supply themselves with wine for the celebration of mass and for general consumption. It was in this context that viticulture began to take hold in the region of Rueda, taking advantage of the extreme climate of the Castilian plateau and the characteristics of stony soils that were ideal for the production of grapes.

During the Middle Ages, wine production in Rueda experienced a great boom. The monks, who tended the vineyards and produced wine, were in charge of preserving and improving the methods of cultivation and winemaking, becoming true guardians of a winemaking tradition in constant evolution.

If we talk about Rueda, we cannot fail to mention the Verdejo grape, the real protagonist of this D.O. Although it is believed that Verdejo was brought to the region by the Mozarabs in the Middle Ages, the variety adapted in such a way to the climate and soil of Rueda that in a few centuries it developed unique characteristics that made it a native grape of the area.

Verdejo is a grape with thick skin and intense flavor, ideal to resist the cold winters and extremely hot summers of Castilla y León. This climate of contrasts, together with the cool summer nights, allows the grapes to maintain their acidity and freshness, achieving wines with a perfect balance between sugar and acidity. For centuries, local producers perfected the art of working this grape, creating white wines with a unique character: fresh, aromatic and full of fruity and herbaceous notes that capture the spirit of their land.

At the end of the nineteenth century, the European wine industry suffered a devastating plague: phylloxera. This pest significantly affected the vineyards of Rueda, destroying a large part of the plantations. However, from this crisis came an opportunity to redefine the region’s wine industry. Winegrowers began to replant the vineyards with grafts of resistant varieties, and studies were initiated to enhance the Verdejo variety and improve winemaking methods.

It was during this time of reconstruction that the Rueda region began to gestate what would later become its denomination of origin. As time went by, it became clear that white wines, especially those made from Verdejo grapes, were the ones that best adapted to the terrain and climate, resulting in wines with personality and an authentic flavor.

The decade of the seventies marked a before and after in the history of Rueda wines. Until then, the wines of this region were mainly consumed locally, but a growing interest in quality white wines led producers in the area to organize themselves to protect and promote their products.

In 1980, the Rueda Designation of Origin was officially recognized, being the first D.O. of Castilla y León. This recognition not only meant protection for the wines of the region, but also established quality standards that ensured the authenticity of their products. Since then, the D.O. Rueda has been committed to the production of high-quality wines, becoming one of the main exporters of white wine in Spain.

Montebaco Rueda is a perfect example of the wines made in this Denomination for its balance with the main grapes of this Denomination, Verdejo and Sauvignon, its bright tone and its aromatic intensity. A fresh wine, which also represents the essence of this land of vineyards, where the climate and a unique soil contribute to creating wines of exceptional quality.

Today, the Rueda Designation of Origin continues to evolve without losing sight of its roots. Despite technological changes and the expansion of its market, the D.O. Rueda maintains a deep respect for traditional cultivation and winemaking techniques. At the same time, the region has embraced innovation, allowing winemakers to experiment with modern methods to improve the quality and diversity of their wines.

In addition to the traditional Verdejo, Rueda also produces wines with other varieties, mainly Sauvignon blanc, but also Palomino fino, Viura, Chardonnay and Viognier, offering a range of white wines that satisfies a wide variety of palates. Internationally, Rueda wines have gained prestige for their quality and price-quality ratio, becoming an increasingly popular option in markets as demanding as the United States and the United Kingdom.

Since 2008, this Designation has also recognised red and rosé wines with their different categories: young, crianza, reserva and gran reserva, with a predominance of the Tempranillo grape.

The next time you toast with a D.O. Rueda wine, remember that you are tasting centuries of history, a heritage of flavor and a sample of the Castilian spirit. Because deep down, each glass is a tribute to time, the land and the passion for good wine. Bless you!

The Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin is one of the most prestigious and recognized in the world of wine, at an international level. Located in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León, the D.O. Ribera del Duero extends along the basin of the Duero River, covering part of the provinces of Burgos, Soria, Segovia and Valladolid.

This appellation has established itself as synonymous with quality and excellence in wine production, standing out mainly for its robust and elegant reds and with a rich history dating back centuries.

The history of wine in the Ribera del Duero can be traced thanks to the archaeological remains of the Pintia area, in Padilla de Duero, near Peñafiel, where remains of the Vaccea, Roman and Visigothic cultures have been found, as well as evidence of winemaking activity in this area for 2,500 years.

However, it was during the Middle Ages that viticulture began to flourish, boosted by the work of monasteries, which played a crucial role in the development of viticulture in Ribera del Duero. The monks, with their knowledge and dedication, improved the techniques of cultivation and winemaking. This monastic tradition contributed significantly to the consolidation of wine culture in the region.

Over the centuries, viticulture in the Ribera del Duero gained in importance and prestige, although it was at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth that a real renaissance took place. The arrival of the railroad facilitated the transport and marketing of wines, allowing them to reach wider markets.

The official recognition of the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin came in 1982. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era for the region, establishing rigorous production and quality control standards that ensured the prestige and excellence of its wines. The Designation has been key to the promotion and protection of the interests of the winegrowers and winemakers in the area, helping to position Ribera del Duero wines among the most appreciated in the world.

The Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin covers an area of around 115 kilometres along the Duero River, it is characterised by its extreme continental climate, with very cold winters and hot, dry summers. These conditions, together with the altitude (which ranges between 720 and 1,100 meters above sea level) and the diversity of soils, are key factors that contribute to the uniqueness and quality of Ribera del Duero wines.

The grape variety that predominates in the Ribera del Duero is Tempranillo, also known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del País. This grape is the basis of most of the red wines of the D.O. and is characterized by its ability to produce full-bodied wines, with good acidity and a remarkable aging capacity. In addition to Tempranillo, other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec are allowed in small proportions, contributing to the complexity and diversity of the wines.

The wines of Ribera del Duero are mainly red, although rosés are also produced, such as Montebaco Rosado. The reds are classified according to the time of aging in barrel and bottle. The “Roble” usually have a short period of aging in barrels, while the “Crianza” must be aged for at least 24 months, of which 12 must be in barrels. The “Reserva” and “Gran Reserva” require longer aging periods, guaranteeing greater complexity and sophistication in the final wine.

Ribera del Duero wines are known for their intense color, deep and complex aromas that can include black fruits, spices, tobacco, and leather, and their robust mouthfeel. These characteristics make Ribera del Duero wines highly appreciated by both critics and consumers.

Since its recognition as a Designation of Origin in 1982, Ribera del Duero has seen exponential growth in terms of quality and international recognition, cementing its reputation as one of the best wine-producing regions in the world.

Bodegas Montebaco is one of the wineries that have stood out within the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin. Founded in 1987 by the Esteban family, Montebaco has cemented its reputation through a meticulous focus on quality and innovation, while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Taking a sustainable approach, respecting the environment and promoting responsible agricultural practices, a perfect example of how the combination of terroir, tradition and modernity can give rise to great wines.

The Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin is the result of centuries of winemaking tradition, historical influences and a constant commitment to quality. Not only does this region produce some of the best wines in Spain, but it has also left an indelible mark on the international wine scene, standing out for its excellence and authenticity.