Ribera del Duero
The Ribera del Duero wine region is situated in the province of Burgos, Valladolid, Segovia and Soria and covers an area of 20,500 hectares. Since around 1994, Ribera del Duero has been producing some the finest wine in Spain. The main grape planted is "Tinta del Pais" (Tinto Fino) also known as Tempranillo. Much smaller quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Garnacha, Malbec and Merlot are also grown, although these varieties are used almost exclusively for blending. This wine region achieved DOC status in 2008 and continues to improve vintage after vintage. Most wines in this region are made the modern way, newer barrels, higher alcohol levels, and released right after being bottled. Some wineries like to hold onto their wines, for example, Bodegas Vega Sicilia, the oldest winery in the region, usually holds their top wine "Unico" for up to 10 years from the vintage date before release.