Who is ready for the holidays!? Neither am I. I just started wrapping a few gifts, but still need to check a few people off my nice list. Luckily, I’m prepared for more online shopping and gift wrapping with Ribera y Rueda, which has been my go to wine after my tasting at Mega Wine & Spirits a few weeks back.
This holiday season, you’ll inevitably attend family dinners and friendly gatherings with one question lingering throughout the season—what wine should I bring!? It happens to all of us—the questions of taste preferences, potential food pairings, and affordability—but no need to worry because I’ve got you covered with Ribera y Rueda.
Ribera del Duero and Rueda are two appellations located in Castilla y Leon, Spain. They have a deep and rich history, with a winemaking tradition that goes back more than 1,000 years. Ribera del Duero is known for the purest expression of Tempranillo and bold red wines. Rueda Verdejo is crisp, sophisticated and complex. Both are versatile, high-quality and affordable (which is always a plus).
You can dive into the nitty gritty of both regions in my last blog post.
To brush up on the regions, I stopped by a wine tasting at Mega Wine & Spirits to dive in just in time for the holidays.
Ribera del Duero
One of Spain’s top red wine-producing regions, Ribera del Duero is two hours north of Madrid, in the Castilla y León high plain. Wines from this region are made with Tempranillo and benefit from extreme climate, old vines, and oak aging for depth and complexity.
Ribera del Duero Tempranillo is known for its purest expression of Tempranillo. The spices, dark fruit, and smoky flavors of Ribera del Duero Tempranillo enhance anything off the grill, roasted meats, and rich pastas—so lots of versatility.
Holiday Insider Tip: This pairs wonderfully with roast, dark gravy, or pie. If you’re having a Cuban Noche Buena, like me, you can probably pair it with puerco too 😉
Rueda
Rueda is Spain’s most famous white wine zone. And it’s native grape, Verdejo, is Spain’s #1 white varietal. Stressful growing conditions and mineral-rich soils give Rueda wines their distinct quality and character.
These wines have a wide range and everyone will find something to like in Rueda. From crisp and stainless steel-fermented to oaked and fuller bodied, there is a Verdejo for all palates. There is even Rueda Espumoso—sparkling in the traditional method—for extra moments of celebration. That’s next to try on my list.
Holiday Insider Tip: Rueda Verdejo goes well with turkey (gobble gobble), seafood, a variety of sides, or roasted veggies. I always like to start the party sipping on this as an apéritif.
No matter which event you’re invited to this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with bringing the host some bottles of Ribera y Rueda to share with guests. Between the quality and affordability, you won’t be disappointed.
This post was made in partnership with Ribera del Duero and Rueda and The Feed Feed.