Arribes is a recent (2007) addition to Spain's portfolio of DO titles. It covers a long and narrow portion of Castilla y Leon, following the course of the River Duero near the with north-eastern Portugal. Fittingly, the name Arribes comes from the Latin ad ripam, meaning 'on the banks'.
The topography of Arribes differs from Castilla y Leon's other wine-producing areas because of two very distinct features: higher, flatter ground and steep terraces facing the Duero and Tormes rivers. It is not dissimilar to the famous Douro Valley across the border in Portugal. The sandy soil mainly consists of granite and quartz pebbles – thought to be the ideal in terms of bringing out the best in the region's red wines in general, and the local grape variety Juan Garcia in particular. Many vines are grown as low bushes.
Juan García produces the region's signature red wine, which has a distinctively fruity flavor profile. Other prominent red grape varieties include Rufete, Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mencia. Bordeaux varieties are also used as blending partners.
White wines produced in Arribes are made from Malvasia, Verdejo and Albillo. These are referred to as blanco (white) on the label and must contain at least 60% Malvasía grapes.
The red wines of the designation are classified as:
- Tinto Joven: young wines mainly made from Juan García and Rufete.
- Crianza: wines that are aged for two years, including at least six months in oak barrels.
- Reserva: wines aged for two years, including at least one year in oak barrels.
- Gran Reserva: three-year-old wines with a minimum two years' aging in oak barrels.
Rosé (Rosado) wines are made from at least 60% Juan García, Rufete and Tempranillo.
The Arribes Consejo Regulador is currently considering whether to permit the following varieties: Brunal (Alfrocheiro Preto), Bastardillo Chico and Puesta en Cruz.
