Ribera del Guadiana Wine Region

Ribera del Guadiana is a wine-producing region located in the province of Cáceres and Badajoz in Extremadura, Spain. It is the only wine-producing area in Extremadura and therefore is quite large, with 26 wineries, its vines stretch 33200 hectares. The wine region is divided into six subzones: Tierra de Barros, Cañamero, Montánchez, Ribera baja, Ribera alta and Matanegra, among which Tierra de Barros is the largest, covering 80% of the vineyards. This unique landscape hosts a wide variety of soils and microclimates that produce different types of wines with distinctive flavours and aromas. Having over 30 authorised grape varieties once again highlights its diversity. 

Find out more about wine tasting & tours in Ribera del Guadiana! 

Where is the Ribera del Guadiana wine region located?

Ribera del Guadiana region is situated in the autonomous community of Extremadura, one of the biggest in Spain, covering the southwestern part of the country, bordering Portugal. The wine appellation stretches to a few places in the community, including Badajoz, Caceres and Trujillo, with its six subzones scattered throughout Extremadura. Matanegra is in the most southern part of the region, bordering Tierra de Barros from the north, which is the largest subzone. Then comes Ribera Baja from the northwest and Ribera Alta from the northeast, which borders Montánchez, which connects it to Cañamero, the eastern point of the community. 

History of Ribera del Guadiana wine region

Ribera del Guadiana wine appellation utilises its name from the river in Extremadura that spans the whole community. The region has a long history of viticulture, dating back to the 4th century BC; records show that wine was used as a funeral offering by then. Also, another piece of evidence was discovered in the third-century Amphitheatre on a mosaic of Augusta Emérita picturing a group of people treading grapes. Afterwards, Romans, during their era, contributed to the development of the wine-producing too, as they analysed its importance and exported a large number of wines to Rome. Later, in the Middle Ages, Christians took further and vital steps in favour of viticulture. However, wine-making has always had its ups and downs in the region’s history, though it has never stopped. In the end, after unifying six subzones and starting to produce high-quality wine rather than lower-quality Vino de la Tierra, the region was granted appellation status and became an authorised DO Ribera del Guadiana in 1999. 

Terroir of Ribera del Guadiana wine region

The soil in this region is mainly composed of clay and limestone with a reasonable water retention rate, and they are rich in minerals and nutrients. However, soil types vary according to the subzones; in Tierra de Barros, the soil is rich in nutrients and limestone, like in Matanegra in the south, while in the northern parts, such as Rivera Alta and Rivera Baja, soils are more clayey and sandy. Even northern Montánchez soils are a little acidic, but rich and Cañamero soils are poorer, consisting of slate. All these distinctions are reflected in diversified wine tastes and aromas. The altitude varies from 250 to 850 m above sea level. The climate in the region is continental, with extremities of 0 °C to 40 °C. The summers are dry and hot, and frigid winters, but some Mediterranean influence regulates the temperature, so there are no real threats for frosts.  

Ribera del Guadiana wine characteristics

The region is characterised by the diversity of its wines made from various grapes. Tempranillo represents the majority, but other varieties are also comparatively used in small amounts. The other grape varieties Ribera del Guadiana red wine is made from are: Garnacha Tinta, Bobal, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Graciano, Mazuela, Merlot, Monastrell, Syrah, Jaén Tinto and Pinot Noir. The red wine is predominant in Tierra de Barros, but is also produced in Matanegra and Ribera Alta subzones; it is highly acidic and refreshing. White wines mainly produced in the subzones of Montánchez, Cañamero and Rivera Baja have an intense fruity flavour. The authorized grapes varieties for white wine are: Alarije, Borba, Cayetana Blanca, Pardina, Viura, Chardonnay, Chelva, Eva, Malvar, Parellada, Pedro Ximénez, Verdejo, Cigüente, Moscatel de Alejandria, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Perruno and Sauvignon Blanc. Some Cava, sparkling wine, is also produced in the DO Ribera del Guadiana with the Macabeo and Parellada varieties. The maximum annual crop is 18000 kg per hectare. The wines are classified by their grape variety and their quality level: table, lower quality, and high-quality wines, but in recent years, primarily high-quality wines have been produced. Wines are consumed both young and aged, according to their type and condition. 

Food to pair with Ribera del Guadiana wine

Caldereta de Cordero

Caldereta de Cordero is a traditional Extremaduran dish made from lamb, garlic, onions, bell pepper, vinegar, and paprika, served with potatoes on the side. This creamy lamb stew is a Spanish version of Shepherd’s pie and pairs exceptionally well with Seilon Tinto Joven Ribera del Guadiana red wine.

Chanfaina

Chanfaina is a dish originating from the Extremadura region, consisting of lamb meat, traditional sausages, breadcrumbs, tomatoes, beans, garlic, olive oil, and lots of spices. It can be served as tapas too. This succulent and hearty stew is a perfect accompaniment for Riber del Guadiana wine. 

Gazpacho de trigueros

Gazpacho is a ubiquitous soup in Spain, but this one is an Extramaduran version, and it’s green, cooked with asparagus, garlic, eggs, olive oil and vinegar. Served with a loaf of crisoy bread, this dish is excellent to savour with a glass of Riber del Guadiana white wine.

Places to visit in Ribera del Guadiana wine region

Almendralejo

Almendralejo is a historical town located in the province of Badajoz, in Extremadura. It is one of the most noteworthy towns in the region, and it has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site. Almendralejo is a town with gorgeous architecture and cultural heritage in baroque and gothic styles. There is also a famous Science of Wine Museum, a purification church, and the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Piedad.

Wetlands of La Albuera

These wetlands are a series of ponds, swamps, and marshes that cover more than 200 hectares. The wetlands attract many migratory birds yearly, making this area a birdwatcher’s paradise, surrounded by century-old oak trees.

Sierra Grande de Hornachos

Sierra Grande de Hornachos is the highest mountain complex in the region, located in the Tierra de Barros subzone. It is a great place to go hiking or take a short walk in pure nature, with breathtaking views. 

Frequently asked questions about Ribera del Guadiana wine region