A FOCUS ON... Valderiz
28/03/2025
The Ribera del Duero region, a high-altitude plateau in Spain's Castilla y León, presents an intriguing paradox. Its extreme continental climate—scorching dry summers and bitterly cold winters—would seem inhospitable to viticulture. Yet, this harshness is precisely what crafts some of Spain's most exceptional wines, particularly those showcasing the Tempranillo grape, locally known as Tinta del País. The region's vineyards, perched at elevations ranging from 750 to over 850 meters above sea level on the Meseta Central, benefit from significant diurnal temperature variations. These dramatic shifts, with blistering daytime heat followed by chilly nights, allow grapes to retain vital acidity and vibrant fruit flavors, preventing them from becoming overripe. The rocky, calcareous soils, enriched with clay and gravel, further contribute to the unique terroir, imparting minerality and structure to the wines.
Ribera del Duero is renowned for its powerful, deeply colored Tempranillo wines. Unlike Rioja, where Tempranillo is often blended, Ribera del Duero typically champions it as a single varietal, yielding wines with intense dark fruit, high tannins, and a distinctive spicy character. The region’s Denominación de Origen (DO) regulations are among Spain’s strictest, emphasizing quality and tradition. These regulations mandate minimum aging periods, ensuring that wines possess the complexity and structure Ribera del Duero is celebrated for.
Within this formidable region, Valderiz stands out as a beacon of meticulous, organic viticulture. Spanning 60 hectares across 35 distinct plots, each boasting unique soil compositions, Valderiz capitalizes on the region's dry climate to implement organic practices. This arid environment naturally minimizes the risk of fungal diseases, making organic farming not only feasible but advantageous. Valderiz eschews herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, embracing a philosophy that leans towards biodynamic principles. The vineyards' iconic "goblet" or "vaso" trained vines, pruned low to the ground, are a testament to their commitment to traditional practices, protecting the grapes from intense sunlight and conserving precious moisture.
Valderiz's winemaking philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the terroir and the Tempranillo grapes to express themselves authentically. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fruit's purity and vibrancy. Adhering to the stringent Ribera del Duero DO regulations, the wines are aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, both new and used. This oak aging softens the wine's inherent tannins and imparts nuanced spice and vanilla notes, complementing the rich fruit profile.
Their 2015 Valderhermoso Crianza exemplifies Valderiz's dedication to quality. This wine delivers a luscious palate of ripe red and black fruits, interwoven with sweet spice and licorice. The oak influence is seamlessly integrated, reflecting the mandatory minimum of one year in oak barrels and a total aging period of 24 months for Crianza wines. Savory and dried fruit undertones add layers of complexity. The region’s intense sunlight results in a robust 15% alcohol content, adding to the wine's warmth and generosity.
This Crianza is delightful now, showcasing the power and elegance of Ribera del Duero. However, its structure and concentration suggest it will evolve beautifully with further cellaring. Valderiz, like Ribera del Duero itself, turns challenging conditions into exceptional wines.
Why not try them out for yourself?
