The Ribera del Duero is on eof Spain's top wine regions for the production of high quality red wines yet, it is relatively unknown to most wine drinkers. Located in the western part of Spain and just north of central, it is a region built along the flow of the Duero River Valley, which contiinues across the border as the Douro River of Portugal. The star grape here is again, the Tempranillo or Tinto Roriz, as it known locally. It is, however, joined by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec that is alowed in the blend up to 15%. The wines in general are some of the most structured in all of Spain and several have reached cult status with corresponding prices. Forty years ago or so Vega Sicilia attained to World Class status and was later joined by Pingus. These are truly astounding wines but way out of the reach of the average wine drinker. Fortunately there are lots of affordable high quality wines being made within the region. The Ribera del Duero is located on a plateau at an elevation 0f 2500+ asl. The climate is continental and it receives ubundant sunlight not unlike the cooler parts of the Napa Valley. Rainfall is a very low 18" annually and yields are very low at approximately 28hl/ha. This produces concentrated wines with great color and structure and the large diurnal swing of 50 degrees keeps acidity bright and the wines fresh. The wines are made in varying styles from fresher versions for early consumption seeing more stainless steel and older or larger oak formats to intense, oak rich wines with spice and tertiary components, that have youthful tannins to temper with needed cellaring. The list of excellent producers hvae grown tremendously over the last four decades and include: Emilio Moro, Hacienda de Monasterio, Lopez Cristobal, Bodegas Aalto, Pesquera, Finca Villacreces, Dominio de Atauta, Fuentaspina, Protos, Alion, Vina MayorMontecastro, Telmo Rodriguez and Pagos de Los Capellanes. Planted acres have exceeded 35K acres and the wines come in aged categories of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. There is also a small amount of good quality rosad and blanco produced.