Castilla y Léon Wine Map

Today, Castilla y Léon is home to some of Spain's most respected Denominaciones de Origen (DOs). Most notable are Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda and Bierzo.

''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.''

Red wines rule in Castilla y Léon, and the Tempranillo grape variety is unquestionably the king. It is known here by various synonyms including Tinta del Pais, Tinto de Toro and Tinto Fino. It is the grape behind all of the region's finest wines except Bierzo, which makes good use of Mencia. Castilla y Léon's white wines are far fewer in number than the reds, but only marginally less prestigious. They are made mostly from the white grapes Verdejo and Viura.

Although the region's economy has traditionally focused on cereal crops, viticulture has been a significant economic activity in Castilla y Léon for more than 2000 years.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the acreage devoted to vineyards fell significantly, and the focus was shifted from quantity to quality.

The international success of key Spanish producers in Castilla y Léon has done much to raise the region's profile, and more than 9 amazing wine routes.