Castilla y Léon wine region

Travel Guide to Castilla y Léon Wine Region

The region where the nature and culture go hand in hand

Castilla y Léon wine region is the largest autonomous community in Spain. It offers a diverse natural landscape, majestic historical monuments, and a wide range of delicious regional cuisine. The Saint James Way pilgrim route goes through this region. The region boasts nearly 40 protected natural areas, making it the perfect holiday destination for any nature lover. Towns like Avila, Segovia, and Salamanca and attractions like Burgos Cathedral and Atapuerca archaeological sites are worth the trip. The local delicacies like botillo, roast suckling pig, and black sausages are quite famous, and you can pair the food with some of the best wines in the region like those from Ribera del Duero appellation.

Discover more about Castilla y Léon wine region through our travel guide:

Wines of Castilla y Léon

Our local partner wineries

Cultural and natural places to visit

Gastronomical specialties

---

What You Should Know About Castilla y Léon Wine Region

Where is Castilla y Léon Wine Region Located?

Castilla y Léon wine region is located in northwest Spain and it is a landlocked region. Castilla y Léon is bordered by the Spanish autonomous communities of Asturias, Cantabria, and Basque Country to the north; La Rioja and Aragon to the east; Castile–La Mancha, Madrid, and Extremadura to the south; and Galicia to the northwest.

Castilla y Léon Wine Map

Appellations & Climate

Castilla y Léon wine region is one of the most important in Spain, which combines notable DOs (Denominaciones de Origen) such as Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda and Bierzo.

The Castilla y Léon Vino de la Tierra title covers the entire wine region. It has much less restrictive regulations, and a wide range of grape varieties are permitted, which also gives winemakers a chance to work on less-traditional wine styles.

HISTORY BOX: The history of wine production in the Castilla y Léon wine region can be dated back to Roman times although the wines of the region started gaining importance only during the eleventh century. Although the region's economy has traditionally focused on cereal crops, viticulture has been a significant economic activity in the area for more than 2000 years.

In terms of climate, Castilla y Léon has a remarkably strong continental feel, given how close it comes to the Atlantic Ocean. Hot, dry summers here are followed by sharp, cold winters when temperatures regularly drop well below freezing. Diurnal temperature shifts are equally pronounced, and play a vital part in the local wine styles. Cool nights refresh the vineyards after long, hot days.

''This region (Ribera del Duero) is famous for its soil, extreme climate, and red grapes, which produce wines from medium to high tannins, alcohol, and colour.''

SORAYA GUERRA VILLAR– LOCAL SOMMELIER FROM RIBERA DEL DUERO

Check out the full interview with Soraya.

Castilla Y Léon Wine Region, Land of Red Wines

Red wines rule in Castilla y Léon wine region, and Tempranillo grape variety is unquestionably the king. It is known here by various synonyms including Tinta del Pais, Tinto de Toro, and Tinto Fino. Tempranillo is behind all of the region's finest wines and it is believed that monks of Cluny who came here through Santiago way brought this vine here. Generally, Tempranillo produces complex, full-bodied red wines with spicy and fruity flavours. In addition to Tempranillo, they also produce fruity mineral red wine Bierzo from the Mencia grape variety. The supporting cast includes the French varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

White wines of Castilla y Léon wine region are far fewer in number than the reds, but only marginally less prestigious. They are made mostly from the white grapes Verdejo and Viura.

DO Wines you Can Taste in Castilla Y Léon Wine Region

DO Arlanza of Castilla y Léon wine region extends its vineyards from the southeast of Palencia to the west of Burgos. The grapes used are Tinta del País, Mencía, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon in reds; Albillo and Viura in whites. The red wines of this DO should be made with at least 80% of Tinta del País while in rosé wines limit is 60%.

DO El Bierzo is in the northwest of the León province, in the valley of the Sil river. The main varieties of grapes are Mencía for the reds and Doña Blanca and Godello for the whites. Six different types of Castilian wines are produced in DO El Bierzo.

Our Partner Wineries in Castilla y Léon Wine Region

Visit some of our local partner wineries in DO El Bierzo. Bodegas Arrocal, Bodega Martin Berdugo and Bodegas Y Viñedos Gancedo are having open cellar doors for visitors and offer the diversity of experiences.

Check out the full list of Wineries in the Castilla y Léon wine region!

DO Arribes lies in the northwest of the province of Salamanca and in the southeastern province of Zamora. DO Arribes produces red, white and rosé Castilian wines and the grape varieties allowed are Juan García, Rufete, Tempranillo, Mencía and Garnacha for the reds and Malvasía, Verdejo and Albillo for the whites. The types of wines they produce are Crianza, Joven, Rosé, and White.

DO Cigales was established in 1991, but winemaking has been part of the day-to-day of this region since the 10th century. The grape varieties allowed are Tinta del País, Garnacha Tinta and Garnacha Gris in red and Verdejo and Albillo in whites. The vines of Tinta del País occupy at least 70% of the whole plantation, which makes it the most used variety.

Top Places to Visit in Castilla y Léon Wine Region

Salamanca - A City Well Worth Discovering

Salamanca lies in central Spain, 212 kilometers from Madrid. The historic center of the city is a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO. 

Having one of the oldest universities in Europe with exceptional Renaissance architecture turns Salamanca into a vibrant student. In its heyday, it was one of the most highly regarded European universities. For this reason, it has been attended by some of the greatest Spanish thinkers, artists, and writers.

The Vía de la Plata (Silver Way), the old Roman road linking northern and southern Spain, passes through Salamanca. It is a good base for exploring interesting towns and villages nearby, also on the path of this ancient road, such as Guijuelo and Béjar. Salamanca is rich in history, but it’s also modern, lively, and fun. Thanks to the students, this city is full of life and movement 24 hours a day. Salamanca should be seen by day and by night, but especially at sunset when the sun gives a golden hue to the stone from Villamayor used to build it centuries ago.

Avila - A Hidden Gem in the Sierra Gredos Mountains

Ávila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of Castilla y Léon, is surrounded by the Sierra Gredos Mountains. Behind the city walls, you will find the set of churches and Renaissance palaces which proves the past prosperity of the city as a textile centre.

The symbol of the city is already mentioned wall, which is one of the most well-preserved walls in Europe. It is two and a half kilometres long and consists of 2,500 battlements, 100 towers, 6 doors, and 3 secondary entrances together with the main entrance of the old town called Los Leaves Gate. Don't miss visiting the city cathedral(12-14th century), which looks like a fortress. While there are superimposed Gothic and Baroque elements on the façade, inside there are intricate reliefs in the retrochoir, and the tomb of El Tostado is made of alabaster.

The Plaza del Mercado Chico is the center of the city, where the old Roman forum used to be situated. The façades of the Town Hall and of the Church of San Juan are facing the center. Throughout its history, Ávila was the birthplace of famous Spanish mystics such as Santa Teresa de Jesús and San Juan de la Cruz. This is why there are many churches and convents scattered round the city. There are important towns in the province of Ávila, such as Arévalo, a beautiful example of Mudejar style from Ávila, designated a Historic-Artistic Site; Some of the archaeological findings that are worth seeing in the province are Castro de Cogotas, one of the most important sites in Spain, and Toros de Guisando, Celtic stone sculptures. And finally, the Sierra de Gredos Regional Reserve, a great alternative for nature lovers.

Aranda de Duero – a capital of Ribera del Duero appelltion

Aranda de Duero is located in the southern part of Burgos, and its underground wine cellars give it a unique identity. Wine clubs or 'Peñas' use these cellars to organize exclusive parties and events. Aranda de Duero is a great place to visit and explore. Visitors can discover the Santa María la Real Church, Town Hall, San Juan Church, Plaza Mayor and take in the sights of spectacular stairs cut into rock that lead to an ancient wine cellar. Therefore, you can enjoy both culture and wineries in and around Aranda de Duero.

Cuidad Rodrigo - A Quaint Italian Cathedral City

Ciudad Rodrigo is a small cathedral city in the province of Salamanca, in western Spain. The site of Ciudad Rodrigo, perched atop a rocky rise on the right bank of the River Águeda, has been occupied since the Neolithic Age. Known also as Mirobriga by those who wish to associate the city with an ancient Celtic village in the outskirts of the modern city. Ciudad Rodrigo has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers, and cool, damp winters.

What you should not miss Visiting:

• City Walls - the historic centre of Ciudad Rodrigo is also enclosed by the city walls. The walls were built during the 12th century. In the 17th century, the walls were rebuilt and reinforced by bastions, ravelins and artillery batteries.

• The Cathedral of Santa María is a medieval cathedral situated in the town which was constructed in the 12th century in late Romanesque style and was refurbished in the 16th century by Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón. The cathedral contains many artworks: The Portal of the main façade (Portico del Perdón), the 16th-century choir stalls, baroque retables, medieval sculptures, and tombs.

• There are also several well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque mansions and palaces such as Castro's Palace, and the Palace of the Aguila, with a garden and two courtyards, one of them in Platonesque style.

Discover all Spanish wine-growing regions in this article.

Gastronomical Specialties of Castilla y Léon

'After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one's own family'

Nine provinces of Castilla y Léon wine region share flavors and tastes but conserve their own traditions. The historical and artistic richness of the region is clearly reflected in the gastronomy of the area. The region has fondly been given the nickname "España del Asado" (Spain of the Roast). Without a doubt, Castilla y Léon wine region is best known for their roast suckling pig and lamb. These might be the main dishes of the local cuisine, but there are many others well worth trying and prepared with all sorts of ingredients. Here, visitors can witness one of the many gastronomical events dedicated to lamb, pork, wild mushrooms, etc. Take part in the age-old ritual called the "matanza" (home butchering), or visit the international trout week.

Soria: Pork Crackling - The World’s Most Famous Crispy Pork Crackling

Soria pork crackling, also known as Torreznos is made from thick strips of pork belly. The meat is sprinkled with salt and fried in olive oil until very crispy and crunchy. They are perfectly served hot or cold or with a nice cold beer or local wine. Soria is also used in other dishes such as migas (based on shredded bread, garlic, olive oil, and other ingredients) and Patatas Revolconas (a similar dish based on potatoes).

Palencia - Stewed River Crabs

Palencia originates in the town of Herrera de Pisuerga. Here you will be able also to visit the river crab museum and attend the March crap festival. You might already importance of a river crab for this town. Palencia is prepared from boiled Cangrejos del río. After boiling it, they dressed in olive oil, white wine, garlic, onions, and guindilla peppers. Peel and appreciate!

Hornazo - A New Take on a Pork Pie

Castilla y Léon is famous for its pork dishes and one of its signature treats is Hornazo. Hornazo is a pastry stuffed with pork loin, savoury chorizo sausage, and hard-boiled egg. Generally, they’re made large and served cut into slices, and are tasty at room temperature but even more delicious served right out of the oven.

Local Sommelier Soraya Guerra Villar tells us about Ribera del Duero Wine Region

For Ribera del Duero what is the very best with this wine region compared to other regions in Spain?

- Ribera is a small appellation in the plateau. It is an old designation in Sapin near the Duero river. This region is famous for its soil, extreme climate, and red grapes, which produce wines from medium to high tannins, alcohol, and color.

If you visit Ribera del Duero for the very first time, which grape variety should you try first?

- I recommend the white grape Albillo mayor and the famous red grape in the region - Tempranillo.

Is there any particular food dish that you have to try when you stay in Ribera del Duero?

- I recommend a vegetable soup, and the roast lamb, paring with a glass of red wine, medium-high acidity, and tannins, I think is a good combination.

Frequently Asked Questions about Castilla y Léon Wine Region