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
Fine red color with a full, firm, rich nose of ripe fruit, dried fruits, and a lovely touch of vanilla, thyme, clove and cocoa from its time in oak. Round, ripe and warm in the palate with soft, silky tannins. Good evolution for a young wine, showing a soft but long finish. The wine is ready to drink, but will continue improving over the coming few
years.
Food Affinities
This wine has the typical bold structure of Ribera del Duero wines. Not many wines have the range and depth to match well with lamb shank, porterhouse steak or a garlicky pasta.
Wine Ratings & Reviews
86 POINTS - Valdubon Crianza 2003
"Early on the wine is dominated by buttery oak, and it's all over the nose, palate and finish. Airing settles it down, and up from the creamy underworld comes raspberry, stewed plums and chocolate. Not the thinking man's Ribera del Duero, but it gets the job done."
-Wine Enthusiast, February 2008
View all wine ratings and reviews for Valdubon Crianza.
Download 2003 tasting notes
Download 2002 tasting notes
Download 2001 tasting notes
