RIOJA vs RIBERA DEL DUERO: Comparing & Tasting Two Amazing Spanish Wine Regions

[@jenniferangela9562]

I just got back from Rioja last week. Me and my husband spent 5 days traveling around Rioja, from one Bodega to another Bodega. I can tell you, they are so serious about their wines. Met some of the nicest people there, explaining to me about their wines. They also recommended me some of the wines to bring home, and which ones to drink right away. Rioja wines are so splendid, they are velvety, deep, but lively at the same time. I also tested some of the nicest whites from Rioja. They are now experimenting with some newer blends, breaking the traditional way of making Rioja wines, and the wines are divine. My trip to Rioja was so special, and I hope someday to be back there again. Cheers!

[@NoSediment]

These trips to winemaking regions can be truly amazing, that is true. 🙏🏻🍷 Cheers! 🍇

[@aleksandaracimovic1131]

May i ask you to share your itinerary or list bodegas you have visited? ( as i am planning similar experience for myself :))? Thank you, Aleksandar.

[@welshtoro3256]

Hi Agnes, I suppose it was inevitable that we would have a showdown between these two Spanish heavyweights. With all due respect to all the other fine wine regions of Spain these two are the big guns. As for a preference; I'm sitting on the fence. When I order a glass of 'tinto' in a Spanish bar and they ask me "Rioja or Ribera", I usually go for the Ribera. It's a safer bet and you can tell right away it's a Ribera. That's not always the case with Rioja. When buying a bottle you're on safer ground. The colour of Rioja reds vary quite a lot from thin brick red to opulent dark berry. However, there is a greater similarity of colour with Ribera. I'm talking about that deep violet with that lovely hue on the edge. I think the colour of wine does prepare our senses for what's to follow. It's why connoisseurs of whisky insist on natural colour because it tells us a great deal about cask maturation and age. Most people equate Spanish wine with 'Rioja' and it wasn't long ago it was a Tempranillo affair only and aged exclusively in American oak. That's changed of course and we even have 100% Garnacha Rioja - who would have thought? Indeed, it begs the question: when is a Rioja a Rioja? The best producers have their own profile of course. Just recently I had a bottle of Muga's entry level red El Anden de la Estacion which retails for $10 in Spain and it's a great value Rioja from a big bodega. Expressions like Tondonia are unique to that bodega and can't be mistaken for anything else. There's so much happening in the world of Rioja including really excellent and criminally underappreciated whites. It's the opposite of the old, monolithic, Spanish wine dinosaur it's perceived as by so many and is a very vibrant wine region. My parents in law come from Valladolid and it's just a short drive to all the classic bodegas of Ribera. So many of them are clustered along the Duero to the East. (Go West and you get the great wines of Toro.) I've picked up so many great Riberas in newsagents and small shops over the years. The old ones are always forgotten and stuffed at the back of a shelf behind the counter and covered in dust. They should be awful because of the poor storage but I swear that these wines are resilient and still taste great. They also have the same price on them from years back. I love Ribera. Rioja is a roller coaster but Ribera has a great minimum standard. Protos have a great entry level 'Protos Roble' which is younger than Crianza but oak aged and it's great Ribera for $10 in Spain and sold everywhere. I think I've always equated the Ribera style to French oak and those smooth tannins. Hats off to both regions. Spanish wine is in a whole different place to where it was 30 years ago. There is no more vibrant and modern wine region anywhere than Spain. The range of wine, which is the best value anywhere, the shake up of marketing which has transformed the wine world for the better and the great wine. Having said that, most of this wonderful stuff is sold overseas. The Spanish are drinking far less wine and beer is the thing today. A long comment but I hope you enjoyed it. Cheers. WT

[@NoSediment]

WOW! What a long comment and so much insight information. Thank You for adding Your thoughts on this. For me, Rioja is more diverse, and maybe this is why for some it might be hit or miss, it is simply so, so versatile. Also, before Tempranillo was ruling Rioja, it used to be region of many grapes and Rioja used to blend of several grapes. And I am very happy to actually see that coming back. 🍷 Thank You again, cheers! ✨

[@MsLoli45]

These 2 regions are my favourite and 90 percent of the wines I own are from these 2 regions. Rioja region has so many different styles now. I have found that when it comes to price Rioja is cheaper than Ribera. I believe Rioja has a better quality price ratio than Ribera. But Some of my favourite wines are from Ribera. Portia Vina magna, Protos make fantastic wines. In Rioja , Lan’s top wines are to die for!

[@aaronjohnson8266]

Priorat calling. They would like a word…

[@ArturoTierra]

I'm a fan of Emilio Moro Ribera Del Duero wines. Rioja reds not so much, but I have enjoyed some good Rioja whites. I thought your review was right on the money.

[@NoSediment]

I agree, Rioja Whites are some of the best and most hidden gems of the wine world! 🙌

[@jonnyolsson3551]

Hi, Thanks for a good video, I learnt from one spanish restaurant owner that spanish people prefer Rioja wines in summer and Ribera wines in vinter. Take care! Jonny Sweden

[@joelarose9589]

My first love with tempranillo was Condado de Haza. I was intrigued by the Vega Sicilia and Aalto connection. My first taste of Aalto was a WOW moment.

[@NoSediment]

I agree, Condado de Haza is a great wine and especially so for that price. 😲

[@PedroMartínezMoreno]

A very accurate review. They are two different styles but in my opinion it is now better to look at the brand rather than the area because there are great wineries, and wines, in both areas. The best thing to do is to combine according to the food.

[@NoSediment]

Most certainly, different styles, indeed, and great wines made in both regions, no questions asked! And knowing Your wineries is very important. 🍷

[@Tugger4me1]

I have tried both and my preference is Rioja, I simply have a general inclination to Rioja for my current taste palate. I do intend to try other grape varieties other than Tempranillo which seems to be quite dominant.

[@NoSediment]

Yes, Tempranillo will dominate in majority of wines. And my current taste buds also prefer Rioja over more fuller and richer in style Ribera del Duero! 🍷

[@nigelgreenhalgh4316]

Rioja was my first red wine love, and it remains one of my favourites. Top for me is Ygay granvreserva especial 2001.

[@NoSediment]

Actually, Rioja was also my first wine love (red wine), and then for a while I left it out of my wine exploration. And now I have come back to fall in love with it again. Great, even epic wines for a great value.

[@slavakolesov1107]

I have never tasted these wines, so this video is quite informative for me. Thanks a lot,

[@NoSediment]

I hope You will have a chance to taste them and make a comparison for Yourself. 🍷 Cheers and thank You for commenting! ✨🥂

[@luckyfish4726]

Very good! I work with wines and had a Ribeira Del Duero tasting the other day. It was lovely! Thanks for the video.

[@NoSediment]

Thank You, happy You enjoyed it! 🍷🍷🍷

[@Birdylockso]

I think I prefer Rioja more because Ribera del Duero tends to have more tannin. In my old age, I've gravitated towards more supple wine. I'm now enjoying my Rioja Reserva 2008 & 2009 collections.

[@NoSediment]

My personal preference is similar, but for different reasons. Rioja makes some amazing wines and they are not as big and rich as Ribera del Duero. ☺️

[@jylee2405]

Great video and tasting!!! 🤩I've learned that usual Rioja reds use American oak, but when I searched website, it was as the case maybe. The websites of the two wineries say that Corimbo used French oak 80%, American oak 20%, and Remelluri Reserva Rioja used different origins Barrels. And Remelluri Gran Reserva and other Rioja red wines in its winery mainly used French oak. Many Rioja producers seem to use French oak these days. 😊

[@NoSediment]

Well yes, it is true. Historically, American oak was dominant in the Spanish winemaking. However, now the shift is more towards French oak. And, it seems to me that Spain has always praised old oak barrels. And there are regions where they will keep old oak planks leftover from broken barrels, just to collect enough and make a new barrel. Or use to fix a broken one. 😊😅

[@costillero2189]

If you look for big commercial rioja wineries such as Marques de Riscal or Ramon bilbao, you will see that they still predominantly use American oak for their reserva wines. I believe people in Spain have associated the taste of french oak with premium winemaking.

[@numanuma20]

@@NoSedimentI wish winemakers would stick to American oak. Every other wine region does not need to compete with France to make great wine.

[@solomonmengeu1003]

I haven't drunk much, Ribera del Duero due to a lack of availability & higher prices. Rioja is a great classic region that reinventing itself for the 21st century. I totally agree with you that Rioja Blanco is highly underrated and should be appreciated more, as it can be enjoyed both in its youth and aged. Faustino's Gran Reserva is a great wine, and while their Cava's aren't terribly exciting, they are reliable.

[@welshtoro3256]

Great comment and I agree. Sorry to see that you can't get value Ribera. Supermarkets in Spain sell nothing but Spanish wine and Ribera is always there. Great value.

[@NoSediment]

Ribera del Duero dictates premium prices in many markets, for sure. 😢 And also at my market, only the biggest and best known brands can be found. 🥲 Same with Rioja Blanco by the way, but I am seeking those wines out intentionally, and filling my wine fridge. I truly think those are epic!

[@Natashaz48]

Love the wine of Spain. The food dictates the choice for me🎉

[@NoSediment]

Great! For me it is usually the same, but sometimes I just enjoy whatever I feel like! 🍷

[@Den_Jeff]

Great video. I really like both wine regions and I buy Prado Enea(Muga), Torre Muga (Muga), Alion(Vega Sicilia) and Valbuena 5 (Vega Sicilia) almost every year. Tomas Postigo is an insider tip for the Ribero del Duero region.

[@NoSediment]

Thank You, I am have written down the name -> Tomas Postigo, because I have never tasted that, and I really want to try now. Anything that comes as an insider tip, is worth exploring. 🙏🏻🍷

[@Den_Jeff]

@@NoSediment My pleasure. If you are not able to find it, let me know, I'll send you a bottle. I've got a few bottles of the 2018 vintage left which drinks beautifully right now.

[@miguelmunoz1286]

I am from Burgos a town, in the north of Ribera del Duero region. I usually drink more Rioja than ribera. But as an oenologist and a wine lover, i always enjoy a good wine, even if it's a Ribera

[@NoSediment]

Totally, as long as it is a great wine, it doesn’t really matter where it is coming from. 🙌

[@kawako]

As a Spaniard, I prefer a Ribera del Duero. Flor de Pingus is in another league. A must taste.

[@NoSediment]

Cheers to that! 🍷🍷🍷

[@lucifernos]

excellent video because you face two titans of Spanish wine, it is like facing burgundy and burgundy, but in particular I love Rivera del duero I consider that there is a lot of opulence and elegance, and Rioja there is more subtlety and refinement. I love both and I have spent a lot of time trying from the most mediocre to what my mortgage allows and my favorites are the following: Rivera del Duero: Flor de Pingus, Vega Sicilia, Pesquera, pago de los capellanes, pago de carraovejas Rioja: Macan, Castillo & Gay, Marquez de Murrieta, Marquez de Riscal, Castillo & Gay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial

[@Smiding]

Great picks! Alion from Vega Sicilia and Viña Ardanza from La rioja alta are my cellardefenders in these categories. Absolutely love spanish wine and I also love that the top quality wines are still affordable.

[@lucifernos]

@@Smiding Spain, despite being a country that contributes a good percentage of the world's wine, still has a lot to explore, many great wines to drink and exalt... regards

[@drmatthewhorkey]

I personally prefer old school Rioja, Remelluri is a great choice (although I prefer their Branco to their Rojo). Personally, I'm not a huge fan of RdD... A lot of the wines are too oaky for my taste. This is another video you beat me to! Nice

[@welshtoro3256]

Come on Matt, we want your take on it too. I think a blind is too obvious but that's exactly why I want one. I love old school Rioja when Tempranillo was king but much today ain't that. I don't know what your experience with Ribera is but you need to give it another go. I hear what you say about oak but oak is part of wine and I think it blends really well in Ribera but we don't have to agree. Both Rioja and Ribera offer outstanding value wines between $10-30 euros which is my go to area.

[@NoSediment]

I also, I think these wines have more so much to offer and definitely would choose Rioja on so many occasions! 🍷 Cheers!

[@drmatthewhorkey]

@@welshtoro3256 Coming soon

[@numanuma20]

I love Spanish reds and the use of American oak. I like to think of Rioja as Chianti Classico and Ribera Del Duero as Brunello structure wise.

[@welshtoro3256]

I love those Italian regions and I hear where you're coming from but it's not the same. Also, Spain is much better value and doesn't need to age as much.

[@EsoVieTH]

@@welshtoro3256​​⁠​​ That might be true if you are into bold super oaky reds. Sangiovese is much more elegant as it’s slightly lighter in color, lighter in taste (as in more hints of red fruit rather than blue) and use French or Slovenian oak instead of American. With that said, all of them are great wines and taste is subjective and so on

[@welshtoro3256]

@@EsoVieTH Good to hear your opinion and these channels exist so we can have an exchange of ideas. I love Sangiovese so no complaint from me on that front. It's a very 'Italian' profile just as Temporanillo is a 'Spanish' profile. I have to say I've had my share of Sangiovese that's not particularly 'elegant'. There's good and bad in every region. Cheers. WT

[@NoSediment]

I think structure wise You might be right. And in blind tastings these wines actually get confused a lot, so You have the proof! 😂😂😂 But for me Brunello will always have more development on the nose (they age it quite long before release) and Ribera del Duero is always more brighter in fruit flavours. More new worldy, even. 🍷

[@NoSediment]

I would agree with value, if we weren’t talking about Ribera del Duero, this region is dictating really high prices! 🍷

[@andrewtate8303]

I used to love Reserva /Gran Reserva Rioza but havnt had one worh rhe money for a long time ( i buy all.my wine at super market since my local independant buyer retired)

[@sudeeralakruwan-w8d]

Mam please can you do a video about the wine hisory please.

[@NoSediment]

I might do it, but it actually will take me more time, as I am not as familiar with it, and I would need to study it. But thank You for the topic suggestion. 🫡 Cheers! 🍷

[@perherlv7318]

Hi Agnes, Been visiting both districts - fancy RdD more. However Toro is like RdD but on steroids.

[@NoSediment]

Beautiful wine world is, I am usually more towards Rioja. 😇

[@mondarinvino107]

I know traditionally riojanused American oak. what types of oak is favored in Ribera del Duero?

[@welshtoro3256]

It's both but the French oak profile is up front for many.

[@NoSediment]

I see You have already an answer there which is correct. Indeed, many Spanish winemakers are now switching towards French Oak, and in Robera del Duero it is even more popular.

[@henq]

For my late night glass of red I choose *Malbec from Catena or Salentein* : bold, some friendy tannins , good mothfeel, but little acidity and wood. I understand how acidity pairs well with food, like steak but also tomato saus. But I often drink wine late at night, with maybe some nuts, chocolate or liquorce. Then I dont like acidity. I also dont like wood taste. What would be a suitable Spanish wine for me?

[@NoSediment]

I would still go for Ribera del Duero! Except that I would look for a producer that uses less oak, or prefers neutral oak barrels. 🍷🍷🍷

[@soyokase]

Ｉ　serious suggest to taste Ｔｏｄｏｎｉａ＆ｂｏｓｃｏｎｉａ　ａｓ　so called traditional winery in Rioja

[@NoSediment]

I know those wines and really, really like! 🍷

[@Zterch2150]

Not convinced that the altitude of Rioja is higher than that of Ribera del Duero. Also, it seems to me that the oak plays a bigger role in Rioja, but this could be very personal. Nevertheless, I like this kind of comparison pretty much

[@NoSediment]

No, You are very correct, the altitude was my error. 🤦‍♀️ However, while ageing wine in oak is usually more linked with Rioja, I think new oak as a flavour/element in wine is more prominent in Ribera del Duero! 😅

[@nmbar7386]

You’re awesome! Love your videos 😊

[@NoSediment]

Thank You’ 🙏🏻✨

[@DarthJabba504]

7:54 Haha...did not expect to hear about Motley Crue watching a wine review.

[@NoSediment]

Hopefully You enjoyed this surprise.

[@Ruirspirul]

its so wild seeing vineyards in sand and yet, it is the main reason Spanish wine is so popular. meaning, it was saved because of sandy soils during the phylloxera times 😅 p.s. 200 kilometers is an insane amount of distance and by no means close for wine regions 😅

[@NoSediment]

200km is really nothing. 😂😂😂 i drive that regularly! 🤔 But in terms of wine regions, of course, climate and weather can change drastically between distances of few km! Cheers! 🍷

[@DamienFilth]

Excellent video. Love the shirt

[@NoSediment]

Thank You! 🙏🏻 Cheers! 🍷

[@andrewkarl5174]

Motley Cru, and wine, love it

[@NoSediment]

Hahahah, thank You’ 🙌

[@robertomangioni9272]

I know Rioja, not much To me the color is the same, but I cant comment on the smell, and taste, nor pairing. Red fruit, nutmeg, cinamon, spicy, that`s elaborated. I need to try this. Motley Crue still plays?!

[@otavioclark]

By the way, I am at Ribera del Duero today, going to Rioja on Tuesday.

[@NoSediment]

Hope You had a great time over there! 🍷

[@elliothm8370]

I find La Rioja wines are more elegant and austere! Love the American oak in La Rioja Alta

[@NoSediment]

For me they also show higher acidity, crunchier fruit and moderate body - if this is what You mean by ‘austerity’🍷 Cheers!

[@MangoZen]

Ribera is delicious. But Rioja is generally my go to wine with food

[@NoSediment]

Both regions dear to me, but if I have to choose, Rioja will be my first one. 😉

[@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032]

I've spent quite a lot of time recently exploring Rioja and Ribera wines, being the wines I've more access to from Madrid. Rioja is currently in the middle of an evolving process where you can still find traditionalists, where tertiary aromas are prominent, then primary, then secondary. These wines focus on the balsamic dimension of Tempranillo which shows only in high quality fruit and only after a few years of ageing. The more modernist approach is playing more with coupage and a more early-drinking style. Honestly, I think the bulk-priced point is lower in quality under this approach. Sometimes I find a lot of bitter, stem tannins and an excess of fruit, almost as if the winemakers were mostly trying to showcase the viticulture and forgetting about what the grape can become (some Langhe nebbiolos suffer from this too imo). Ribera del Duero can make much bigger wines, given the heavy diurnal range. However, I think they abuse oak in the low-ish price point. The wines are very nicely tense, with bright acidity, bold tannins and high body and fruit expressiveness. However, they tend to focus too much on a uniform, commercial style showing a dominance of oaky characters balanced by dark fruit. I only speak here for the less luxurious examples, because let's be honest: almost any region and variety can give off outstanding wines with enough commitment.

[@NoSediment]

I agree with everything You said here, and especially the part, about putting effort and getting back great wines. In some regions though it costs more than in others. 😅

[@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032]

@@NoSediment thanks for the feedback! Sometimes I think that some varieties only show their potential when you put in a great amount of effort, while others offer relatively better results in the lower-price range, provided that climate and soil conditions are not too bad for either of them (e.g. verdejo vs albariño, to stay in the Spanish theme). Would you also agree with that?

[@valdislusis2694]

Arvien labāk un labāk! Bravissimo!

[@NoSediment]

Paldies!

[@patrickfreeman205]

The Shining and Friday the 13th? Great video as always.

[@NoSediment]

Where? In the back?

[@patrickfreeman205]

@@NoSediment Yes, on the book shelf.

[@NoSediment]

Yes, I am kind of a horror fan. Which might not necessarily sound as romantic as wine. 😅

[@NoSediment]

Well, shining is my favourite movie. And I watch it over and over again. It is just so beautifully made. ✨

[@DamienFilth]

​@@NoSedimenthorror movies can be romantic like wine. With the right partner

[@ROGER-yo9cy]

I would choose Remelluri

[@NoSediment]

Hahah, you are a fan of the estate, I see! 🍷

[@ROGER-yo9cy]

@@NoSediment , not really, but for me, of I have to choose between the 5 Spanish wines you’ve tasted, Remelluri ones are better IMHO

[@tommygoff16]

Generally prefer Rioja, especially López de Heredia, though there are some fine wines coming out of Ribeiro del Duero.

[@NoSediment]

Well, López de Heredia, I think, is something beyond, special and very unique. I really love their wines. And as one person already mentioned here, if You put enough effort, great wines can be made in many regions. Thank You for commenting and cheers! 🥂✨🍷

[@tommygoff16]

@NoSediment thanks for the wonderful video. I'm patiently waiting on the white Rioja video!

[@welshtoro3256]

Lopez de Heredia aren't a typical Rioja. There are indeed fine wines from Ribera.

[@atamo4323]

To me Ribera is more geared to international style and Rioja more local flavor. Rioja is more a food wine for me. Initially Ribera jibes well with me at the time when i appreciate structure of dark fruits with some oak. As more and more Ribera entering the market, some only hold a facade and breakdown after an hour or two. More Rioja seem to hold its own longer and a good wine with meals. Fresh and balanced. Remelluri is quite enjoyable and affordable.

[@welshtoro3256]

To be honest, the wine in your region and restaurant is often regional in Spain. If you go to a restaurant in Rioja that's what you get and it's the same with Ribera in Castile.

[@welshtoro3256]

I respectfully disagree. Wine is so local in Spain that you drink whatever the region produces. Most shops and restaurants in Castile will stock a big amount of Ribera. Ditto Rioja. Most bars and restaurants throughout the rest of the country will most likely have a balance of the two. Folk in La Mancha and Extremadura will be drinking wine from that region regardless of the food.

[@atamo4323]

@@welshtoro3256 yes, it’s always much more representative to drink locally onsite (preferably not the ultra touristy area), not just the selected ones for export. The house wines are better there than the ones in North America or Asia.

[@NoSediment]

I actually couldn’t agree with You more. And majority of wine professionals will agree that often times in a blind tasting Ribera del Duero can be mistaken with wines from New World, of the reasons You explained. 😅 I also agree that Rioja shows more uniqueness of grape, and as a matter of fact Remelluri is dear to me producer. Including their Blanco! 😊😊😊

[@NoSediment]

I don’t think these are the same things. Drinking local wine doesn’t mean that the style of that wine cannot be international or similar to other winemaking regions. And I think this person is correct in their observation that Ribera del Duero is more black fruit driven, richer and oak shaped than Rioja. 🙏🏻 Cheers and thank You for keeping the discussion open! 🍷

[@danielmagg6096]

I think Rioja has more variety in terms of flavours and different grapes, I like the garnachas they make too. Ribera produces great fine red wine but is not as diverse. Both are great in their own way

[@welshtoro3256]

I agree with you. I have to say that many of the Granacha Riojas that get high Parker points aren't as good as his points in my opinion. There's absolutely no terroir with Garnacha Rioja.

[@NoSediment]

Yes, agree. I just answered to a different comment, the very same thing - that I see Rioja being more diverse in terms of wine styles produced. And, I just tasted the most elegant Ribera del Duero, these wines can show great depth and energy. 🍷

[@SophiaOtero]

Tempranillo❤

[@NoSediment]

🍷🍷🍷

[@thegastrotraveler]

Really great stuff! If I had to be a dick and ‘that guy’ the altitude is the other way round, Ribera is on average higher though flat as a pancake and Rioja, though on average lower, has an influence from the sierras and more northerly climates. Really enjoyed the video!!! And great drinking choices!

[@NoSediment]

You are indeed correct if we are talking average elevations! 😅

[@Madsakre]

Rioja

[@NoSediment]

🙌🙌🙌

[@arturojimenez321]

Big mistake 😢 Ribera del Duero is higher alcaline land,about 600feet than Rioja.Thanks😂!

[@NoSediment]

Sorry, I don’t understand this comment.. 🥹😅

[@garryweil6307]

I prefer Ribera Del Duero

[@nanemoon9968]

Very informative but at the same time confusing. You tumble the glass with such ferocity, when I did this at a tasting, I was told it's a glas, not a washing machine 😂. That tasting was in France, so maybe cultural differences. They did a few spinns, of course, but with more tenderness and affection.

[@NoSediment]

I don’t think it should bother anyone, how I choose to swirl wine in my glass. Be careful, sometimes those who want to correct You do it not because it is the ‘correct’ way, but because they want to shine with their supposed knowledge. Enjoy Your wine the way it pleases You the most! ✨ Cheers! 🥂

[@ronniecortex4936]

👍👍❤❤02-07-23, 12:50h.

[@josepmassot4696]

Donde haya un Priorat o Costers del Segre! Incluso el mallorquín Benisalem

[@ricknelsteel]

Rioja all the way. Vega S wines are fantastic but the rest I’ve tried have a heavy meaty thing going on that doesn’t appeal.

[@NoSediment]

🙌🙌🙌 I do enjoy Rioja a lot, and lately I have found that I fall in love with it again. And the wine world is so exciting because it is so versatile. We all can find wine that we enjoy. 🍷