Located along the banks of the Duero River (also known as the Douro in Portugal, where port is produced), approximately 120 miles north of Madrid, lies the Ribera del Duero D.O. Though some cabernet and other Bordeaux varietals are occasionally employed, most famously by the likes of Vega Sicilia and Dominio de Pingus, tempranillo (known locally as tinto fino) is the star. These wines tend to show lots of dark fruit and robust tannins, making them ideal for the summer grilling season. Here are three excellent introductions to the region, all from the outstanding 2005 vintage:
2005 Bodegas Arrocal Ribera del Duero ($14.99) A nose of dark cherries leads to fleshy cherry, plum and plum skin flavors on the palate. This is the most fruit-forward wine of the line up. If you love fruit, you will love this wine. Arrocal has garnered some great press, so get this wine while it lasts.
2005 Vizcarra Roble Ribera del Duero ($14.99) This one is a little bigger and more typical of the Ribera style: dark fruit and toasty oak on the nose leading to juicy blackberry fruit on the mid-palate. The finish is savory, dry and long, with tannins that command respect (and a grilled New York strip steak).