The Grape
Valdubón is made solely from Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto del País. Other authorized grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Garnacha. Although Albillo, a white variety, is authorized, it is used only as a blending grape in DO wines since only reds and rosados (rosés) are authorized.
The overall vineyard area is just over 13,500 hectares or roughly 33,300 acres. This is relatively small. As a comparison, there are about 38,000 acres of vines in Napa County. Because of this limited production and high quality, Ribera del Duero wines are in great demand. In the harsh climate, the Tempranillo grape makes a wine of great power and concentration. This has led leading winemakers to use little if any Cabernet Sauvignon, preferring to make their top wines from 100% Tempranillo, as is the case with Valdubón.
The Blend
100% Tempranillo
Tasting Notes
Youthful color, deep vibrant red with a violet rim. The nose is complex, with a high concentration of primary fruit, displayed as plums and red currants and combined with hints of coconut, vanilla and allspice from its short time in the barrel.
The palate is soft, but with good structure, balanced acidity and integrated oak. Initially powerful but not aggressive, rounding to the taste, full of ripe autumn fruit and a long aftertaste. This wine can be drunk now, although it will keep well for some years in the bottle.
Food Affinities
The Valdubón Cosecha is a wine that is at its best with down home comfort food. The bright, concentrated fruit of this wine makes it a good match with Italian sausage, hamburgers, grilled mushrooms, eggplant or a hearty bean soup.
Wine Ratings & Reviews
Valdubón Cosecha 2005
"Sticking with the picnic mode, this lively little red is infused with blackberry, cherry and rose petal fruitiness that makes me think of a hot pastrami sandwich and potato salad. You? The lighter side of Tempranillo."
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Richard Paul Hinkle, "New and Interesting from Spain", Quarterly Review of Wines, Summer 2008
"...is juicy and edgy with keen plum and blackberry flavors."
- "Harvest of Heritage - Freixenet's Heredad Collection Assembles The Best From Across Spain", Patterson's The Tasting Panel, September 2008
View all wine ratings and reviews for Valdubon Cosecha.
Download 2005 tasting notes
Download 2004 tasting notes
Download 2003 tasting notes
