Ribera del Duero during the holidays

The holidays are just around the corner and that means people are once again brainstorming about what to serve at Christmas dinners. Of course, fine red Ribera del Duero wines cannot be missing from the table. To give you a hand with choosing the tastiest wines, we highlight some Ribera del Duero wines below. With our favourite wine-food pairings for inspiration, for main dishes during all the festive dinners coming up. These wines are among the top 10 list. This was created in collaboration with wine journalist Jacques Hermus and the readers of Seasons Magazine through a blind wine tasting. These wines from Ribera del Duero all have an excellent price-quality ratio and are for sale in the Netherlands.

The tastiest wine-food ideas for Christmas dinner

The first wine not to miss at Christmas is Bodegas Rauda, Tinto ROA Reserva. A 2014 red wine made the traditional way from 100% Tempranillo. It is a complex wine with fruit, spiciness and tobacco in its aroma. On the palate, these elements return as well. This wine is delicious to serve with leg of lamb, leg of venison or game poultry. Think of a recipe with leg of venison, red beets and cranberry sauce. Or, for example, a succulent leg of lamb with roasted Brussels sprouts and hazelnut. Bodegas Rauda, Tinto ROA Reserva is for sale at Grape with Pit and at Zwagers Wine Import and costs €19.95 per bottle.

If you prefer a nice piece of beef, choose the Adaro Pradorey. A 2018 'cochega'. This wine is aromatic and complex with notes of red fruit and vanilla. On the palate, ripe fruit combines with velvety tannins, leading to an elegant finish. Pair the wine with marinated meats, pastas with meat sauces, not to mention the barbecue. Pair this wine with, for example, a festive beef wellington or a delicious boeuf bourguignon for the whole family to enjoy. Adaro Pradorey is for sale at Frans van den Hoogen Wine merchants and costs €18.95 per bottle.

The latest acquisition

The latest acquisition is Viñas del Jaro, Jaros, a warm and sultry wine from 2018, with lots of cherries and vanilla. Deliciously sweet and a pleasant spiciness due to the wood. On the palate there is lots of sweet fruit and softness, seductive and creamy, with good tannins in the finish. This wine is perfect with grilled duck breast, for example. Serve Jaros during Christmas dinner paired with a delicious duck breast with orange and port sauce. Viñas del Jaro, Jaros is for sale at Vinites and costs €21.50 per bottle.

Curious about the full top 10 list compiled by Seasons readers? Then click here.

About Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero is one of Spain's well-known wine regions with a high reputation. The wine-growing region covers 24,000 hectares, has 308 winemakers and nearly 8,000 grape growers. It is located in the heart of northern Spain, 120 kilometres above Madrid. The wines owe their character to the high altitude of the vineyards on the banks of the Duero river. Relatively close to the Atlantic Ocean. The vineyards are situated at 720 to 1,100 metres above sea level and there is an extreme climate with very hot summers and freezing winters; 'three months of winter and nine months of solar hell'. The difference between day and night temperatures is enormous. As a result, the grapes develop full and complex aromas.

Ribera del Duero DO wines are distinguished by their high quality, limited production and innovative dedication. The desire to excel, experience and creative attitude combined with dedication. Tradition and talent of the wine producers make the wines from Ribera del Duero unique. Ribera del Duero is represented in the Netherlands by Pitch PR & Communications. 'Made to move you'.  www.riberadeldeuro.es/en

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