Bodegas Arribes del Duero

Arribes region, Spain

Way out at the very western fringe of Spain, lying hard against the Duero/Douro river and just a stone’s throw from Portugal is the new DO region of Arribes.  Originally named Arribes del Duero, it recently changed its identity to simply Arribes, so that it would not be confused with the more famous DO of Ribera del Duero further east.  

Highly recommended is Arribes de Vettonia Malvasia 2008.  The red variety here is the Juan Garcia, unique to the region.  Relatively high in acidity it makes exquisite perfumed rosés, bursting with ripe tropical fruit, and earthy dry reds with a good balance of fruit, tannin and acidity.

White

Arribes de Vettonia Malvasia blanco 2010                                        

‘poor man’s Albariño’ – the 2007 vintage won the ‘golden bunch’ award for best white wine produced by a cooperative (all of Spain!)

Red

Arribes de Vettonia, Crianza 2008                                                  

- aged in French and Hungarian oak.  Juan Garcia grape variety.  Rich, dense and sappy,  the Hungarian oak gives an exquisite balsamic note.  Beautifully balanced and astonishing quality at the price