Ribera del Arlanza Wine Region Guide

Ribera del Arlanza is a recently formed Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) in the Castilla y Leon region. The region is located around the town of Lerma, in the Province of Burgos and Palencia in northern Spain. The region covers 67 municipalities out of which 54 are from the Burgos and 13 in the province of Palencia. Despite the fact that winemaking in the region dates back to the 10th century, the region fell off the radar of wine enthusiasts until 2007, when it was given the Denominación of Origen Protegida. The name of the wine appellation was derived from the river Arlanza that flows along the region.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Ribera del Arlanza!

Where is the Ribera del Arlanza wine region?

Ribera del Arlanza covers most parts of the province of Burgos and Palencia and is the subregion of Castile Y Leon, in the north part of Spain. The river Arlanza flows along the region for 75 km. The Ribera del Duero DOP lies in the south and Cigales to the west of the Ribera del Arlanza. The town of Lerma is just 40 km south of Burgos city, 119 km northeast of Valladolid, 209 km southeast of Leon, and 333 km northwest of Zaragoza. 

History of the Ribera del Arlanza wine region

Folklore suggests that viticulture and winemaking were present in the Ribera del Arlanza since the 10th century. The documentation from the 12th century clearly states the transaction of the purchase of vineyards by the Monastery of Santa Maria de Bujedo de Juarros. The region was destroyed by the phylloxera infection, which arrived towards the end of the nineteenth century. Most of the vineyards after the infestation were replanted with American rootstock that was resistant, which was completed by the 1920s. The new investors and winemakers started developing the region and finally got recognition in 2007.

The terroir and geography of the Ribera del Arlanza wine region

The Ribera del Arlanza is very much like the rest of Castilla y Leon, influenced by the continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The temperature difference between day and night is vast. Most of the vineyard lies at an altitude ranging from 750-1200 meters above sea level. The soil in the Ribera del Arlanza is clayey but the southern part has a high content of limestone. The vineyards are plated with 2000 vines per hectare that yield around 10000kg per hectare for white varieties and 7000kg per hectare for red varieties. 

Popular grape varieties from the Ribera del Arlanza wine region

The most dominant grape variety is Tempranillo which accounts for more than 50% of total production. The authorized grape varieties in the Ribera de Arlanza are as follows:

White Varietals: Albillo and Viura. 

Red Varietals: Tempranillo / Tinta del País, Garnacha, Mencía, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

Food to pair with Ribera del Arlanza wine 

Turrón de Alicante

Turrón de Alicante is a honey-sweetened nougat covered with wafers made in the Jijona Town of Alicante. The raw ingredients are procured for Alicante, Valencia, and Castellon. It is usually made with peeled and roasted almonds, honey, egg whites, and sugar and is of Arabic heritage. Turrón de Alicante is popular all year, but it is especially popular around the holidays. The dish is high in calories yet the cholesterol level is low due to the use of Almonds. The Alicante nougat is a fabulous choice of snacks with a good balance of carbohydrates, fiber, fats, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin E. During Christmas, the demand for Alicante nougat rises exponentially both in Spain and abroad. This sweet nougat perfectly pairs with rose and light wines from Ribera del Arlanza.

Escalivada

Escalivada is a smokey grilled vegetable dish popular in Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, and Aragón. The dish is excellent for grilling outside that usually consists of roasted eggplant and bell peppers in olive oil, as well as onion, tomato, chopped garlic, and salt. The term is derived from the Catalan verb escalivar, which means "to cook in ashes". Folklore suggests that the dish was first produced by farmers from the Pyrenees mountains when the livestock was out on pasture. Although escalivada is generally served as a side dish nowadays, it can also be served as tapas, a warm salad, or as a complement to fish meals. Tempranillo wines from Rivera del Arlanza pairs well with Escalivada.

Grilled Portobello mushrooms

Portobello mushroom is the same as white button mushroom just a different age. These mushrooms are characterized as brown and large compared to younger white mushrooms. 

Portobello mushrooms are first brushed on both sides with marinade, oil, and seasoning and grilled cap side down until slight charring. The dish is often topped up with lemon juice, cheese, or vinaigrette. These portobello mushrooms have meaty characteristics which go very well with medium to full-bodied wines. Try this dish with red wines from Ribera Del Arlanza.

Places to visit in the Ribera del Arlanza wine region

Burgos Cathedral

The Burgos Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, is located on the Plaza de Mara in Burgos in the autonomous community of Castille Y Leon. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, contributed to the emergence of Gothic architecture in Spain. The construction of the cathedral started in 1221 under the command of the King of Spain. The cathedral underwent major reconstruction in the early 15th century and 16th century with the new addition of the Capilla del Condestable and the dome of the transept. The cathedral stands as a perfect example of Gothic style progression, with the Gothic art displayed in its excellent architecture and rare collection of art, which includes paintings, choir stalls, reredos, graves, and stained-glass windows. Burgos Cathedral is under the care and direction of the Junta de Castilla y León, through the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, and the Cathedral Chapter, as the property's owner. While indulging in the wine tasting and tours in Ribera del Arlanza, don't forget to visit this monumental place. 

Arco de Santa María

Arco de Santa María is the most ornate of the 12 medieval arched doors of Burgos's ancient city. When it was first built in the high Middle Ages, it was rather plain and the structure was reconstructed in the 16th century by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor after the city's authorities backed him during the Comuneros Revolt. The parts of the wall that originally existed on each side of the archway have now vanished, but the arch still stands in beautiful solitude, attached to more contemporary constructions. If you spend enough time gazing at the arch now, you'll see some of these leaders, as well as other famous characters from Burgos' long and fascinating past. The ancient arch and gateway have been designated as historic monuments since the 1940s.

Frequently asked questions about Ribera del Arlanza