A stretch of the Duero river basin about 115 kilometres long and 35 wide located at the confluence of the provinces of Soria, Burgos, Segovia and Valladolid is, according to many experts, one of the best Spanish regions for the production of wines, and up there with the best in the world. It is the Ribera del Duero region, catalogued as Denomination of Origin since 1979 and where just over three hundred wineries make their highly demanded red wines. Of these, only one, Bodegas Ontañón, provides all the Ribera de Duero wines to Mercadona.
This winery, from La Rioja origin, is headquartered in Ribera de Duero in the Burgos town of Fuentecen and supplies the supermarket chain with seven millions of bottles annually. Bodegas Ontañón was just a quarter of a century ago a small family business in La Rioja that made good red wines. Its commercial agreement with Mercadona to sell its wines has made it a giant. If we only take into consideration D.O. Ribera de Duero y Rueda wines, it sells seven million bottles each year through Mercadona.
I have selected three wines from this region that are, for the money, great value:
Abadia Mantrús Roble
Abadía Mantrús is Mecadona's most economical offering from the region. Abadía Mantrús Roble is a young wine made from grapes of the Tinta Fina variety. Visually you can see the youth though the violet nuances. On the nose, it presents a good aromatic intensity with fresh aromas of wild fruits such as currants and blackberries. On the palate, it is fruity and intense but without losing freshness, and at 16ºC it pairs well with rice and pasta dishes with meat, vegetables, poultry, sausages and cheeses, of course. €3,15
Condado de Teon Roble
Made with Tempranillo grapes from the family vineyards in the Fuentecén area (Burgos), matured with a temperature difference of 20 degrees between day and night, Condado de Teón is the better quality wine that Mercadona offers from this region. Its swift but necessary passage through American oak barrels gives it the elegance and aromatic complexity typical of D.O. Ribera del Duero. It pairs especially well with red meat, pasta, game, stews, cheese and cured ham. €4,95
Condado de Teón Crianza
"Honesty" is the term which winemakers use to describe wines that do not deceive, that offer what they promise and that although they may not be classified as excellent, are without doubt good wines. That is how best you could describe Condado de Teón Crianza, which after spending 12 months in oak barrels is pleasant in the mouth and is easily drunk. Visually it has a ruby colour with violet reflections. The nose has a lot of fruit and aromas from the ageing, which is repeated in the mouth. Quite simple an "honest" wine, which, when compared with other similar references from the D.O. Ribera del Duero for value for money, make it a very recommendable choice. €6,50