Castilla y León wines

Your guide to Castilla y León

History of wines from Castilla y León

The history of wines in Castilla y León dates back to Roman times, with evidence of wine production appearing in the 11th century. King Alfonso VI offered lands to settlers, encouraging viticulture in the region. The wines gained importance during the 11th century, particularly in the Ribera del Duero and Toro areas, which have been significant wine-producing regions ever since.

The region's wine industry was influenced by various historical events. The Moorish occupation introduced irrigation techniques, which revolutionized agriculture in the arid landscape. However, the Moors showed little interest in viticulture except for producing alcohol for medicinal purposes. The reconquest of the region by Christian forces in the 12th century further solidified wine production, with many monasteries playing a crucial role in winemaking.

In the modern era, Castilla y León's wine industry experienced a significant resurgence in the late 20th century. The arrival of international winemakers like Peter Sisseck and Alejandro Fernandez introduced new techniques and elevated the quality of wines. The region now produces a diverse range of wines, including robust reds from Ribera del Duero and Toro, and aromatic whites from Rueda, showcasing its rich terroir and innovative winemaking practices.

Terroir of Castilla y León

The terroir of Castilla y León is characterized by a diverse natural landscape, with varying soil compositions and climates across different regions. In Ribera del Duero, the wines are grown on a mixture of limestone and loamy soils, which contribute to the distinct flavor profile of the Tempranillo grapes. The region's cool nights and diurnal temperature variation help preserve the grapes' acidity, resulting in wines with lively acidity and bracing freshness.

In other regions like Bierzo, the terroir is marked by red clay soils, which complement the Mencia grape variety. The dry, hot summers and cold winters create a challenging yet beneficial environment for winemaking. The high-altitude sites in many areas, such as La Seca in Valladolid, contribute to the wines' complexity and structure, with soils rich in limestone and gravel adding depth and texture to the wines.

Top grapes in Castilla y León

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is the quintessential Spanish grape, thriving in the continental climate of Castilla y León. This grape is the backbone of some of the region's most prestigious wines, including Ribera del Duero and Toro. It is cherished for its ability to produce deeply colored, robust wines with complex aromas of berries, tobacco, and leather. The high altitude and significant day-night temperature variations in Castilla y León allow Tempranillo grapes to ripen slowly, developing rich flavors and balanced acidity, making wines that are well-suited for aging.

Verdejo

Verdejo has been associated with the Rueda region of Castilla y León for centuries, where it is used to produce crisp, aromatic white wines. This grape variety is known for its versatility and ability to reflect the terroir. Wines made from Verdejo typically exhibit vibrant acidity and fresh flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus, often with a hint of herbaceousness and minerality. The cool nights in Castilla y León help preserve the grape’s natural acidity, making Verdejo wines particularly refreshing and suitable for a variety of food pairings, from seafood to salads.

Garnacha

Garnacha, also known as Grenache in other parts of the world, is less common in Castilla y León but still produces notable wines, particularly in the Arribes DO where it blends well with local varieties. This grape is appreciated for its ability to withstand the hot, dry climate of the region, yielding wines that are full-bodied with soft tannins and flavors of red fruit, spice, and a hint of earthiness. Garnacha wines from Castilla y León often show a unique character, blending power and elegance, and are increasingly gaining recognition for their quality and distinctiveness.