Ribera Baja Wine Region

Ribera Baja is located in the southern end of the Navarra wine region, in the province of Valencia,  in the northern part of Spain. Nestled between Aragon and La Rioja, the region is almost flat in the Ebro basin. The region predominantly produces red wines from Tempranillo and Garnacha. Ribera Baja covers 13 winemaking municipalities including its main town Tudela. 

Amazing wine tasting experiences, rich festivals throughout the year, and an unrivaled selection of gourmet delicacies make the Ribera Baja one of the most appealing tourist destinations in Valencia.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Ribera Baja!

Where is the Ribera Baja wine region?

Ribera Baja is located in the province of Valencia, in northern Spain, near the southern end of the Navarra wine area. The territory is almost flat in the Ebro valley, nestled between Aragon and La Rioja. The region encompasses municipalities of Ablitas, Arguedas, Barillas, Cascante, Castejón, Cintruénigo, Corella, Fitero, Monteagudo, Murchante, Tudela, Tulebras and Valtierra, which are also the major winemaking areas. The region is just 43km southeast of Calahorra, 85km northwest of Zaragoza, and 380km southwest of Andorra la Vella. 

The terroir and geography of the Ribera Baja wine region

The terrain of Ribera Baja is mostly flat that elevates in the southwest to the Sierra del Moncayo. The Xuquer river passes through the region that meets the mediterranean sea at the Cullera. The area is super fertile and is populated by small, family-owned wineries and vegetable farms. The total vineyard surface accounts for approximately 3350 hectares. The soils are mostly composed of deep loamy soil while in the southwestern area, the soil is a mixture of clay and limestone. The climate is the Mediterranean making the region hot and arid. 

Popular grape varieties from the Ribera Baja wine region

The region is well known for its red wines made from Tempranillo and Garnacha. Tempranillo accounts for 40% of total production and Granache at 30%. White wines are also produced in the region mostly from Viura and Moscatel. Other red varieties grown in the region are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Syrah.

Food to pair with Ribera Baja wine 

Roasted Lamb

Lamb is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed year-round with special indulgence. Many flavors complement lamb so you can use a variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance the flavor of your choice. 

Roasted lamb dishes such as rack of lamb, leg of lamb, or lamb cutlets, go well with robust red wines from the Ribera Baja wine appellation. 

Lasagne alla Bolognese

This rich and hearty piatto unico is usually constructed with layers of handmade, often spinach-flavored fresh egg lasagna noodles topped with béchamel sauce and ragù alla Bolognese, a thick beef sauce.

Before serving, lasagne alla Bolognese is generously dusted with Parmigiano-Reggiano, the Emilian king of cheeses, and cooked until soft on the inside with a delightfully crisp, browned top. This oven-baked classic is a specialty of the Emilia-Romagna region, and particularly of the city of Bologna. This dish has grown in popularity through time and is often recognized as a global emblem of Italian food. 

Barbecue

Barbecue is mostly known as a cooking method usually enjoyed in an outdoor social gathering, at which meats or fish along with vegetables are roasted over a wood or a charcoal fire with the lid closed. 

Barbecuing has been a part of American culture and is popular throughout the United States, enjoyed during a celebration or social gathering. Barbecue is often served along with the sauce, salad, sweet potato, and beans. Mostly favored meat is pork and beef. Other barbecued items include lamb, chicken, sausages, and sometimes seafood as well. 

Most zinfandel pairs very well with barbecued meat and sausages that are smoked with the sweet and spicy marinade. 

Pair up with the robust tempranillo red wines, especially from the Ribera Baja. 

Places to visit in the Ribera Baja wine region

Cathedral de Tudela

The Cathedral de Tuleda, built in Roman architecture, is originally a church dedicated to Saint Mary. This medieval cathedral is located in Plaza Vieja in Tudela. The cathedral originally served as a collegiate church until 1783 and currently is a co-cathedral for the Archdiocese of Pamplona and Tudela. The construction of the cathedral started in 1168 in the romanesque style that continued till the 13th century. The notable attractions of the cathedral are the north door called Portal de Santa Maria, gothic-style chapels, and a Sculpture of the Assumption of the Virgin. 

The cathedral was declared a national monument in 1884 due to its aesthetic and historic importance. It is the main attraction in the city of Tudela. Visit this amazing place while you tour across the Ribera Baja.

Castillo de Ablitas

Said to be built around the 10th century, the Castillo de Ablitas is a medieval castle located in the province of Navarra in the town of Ablitas. The castle was first documented in 1119 when Muslims undertook the town. The castle was well preserved by the Muslims. There are few ruins remaining that include the homage tower with the vault. The castle was declared a national monument on 1985 by an asset of cultural interest. 

Frequently asked questions about Ribera Baja