All the comparative studies carried out by the Organization for Consumers and Users (OCU) are rigorous, exhaustive, independent and aim to help consumers choose the best product. And one of the best products that Spanish gastronomy has without a doubt are wines, at every price point. To help out a little with your next purchase, the OCU has carried out an analysis of 53 red wines and among all of them, five wines from Ribera del Duero really stand out for their quality, tasting, pairing and price. This also happens to be my favourite region!
The five wines which came out on top were Protos, Pago de Los Capellanes, Valpincia, Prado Rey and Viña Arnáiz. The analysis was focused on assessing the quality, data about the state of the grape during the harvest, the fermentation of the musts and even the ageing process in oak barrels.
Here are the top 5:
Protos
Received a score of 84 out of 100 points. Protos Crianza 2017 from Ribera del Duero, stands out for its cherry red colour with light garnet touches, aromas of medium intensity with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, coconut and some small toasted nuances of cocoa. It has a price of 15.55 euros, you can find it in the brand's own store or in supermarket chains such as El Corte Ingles, Consum and Carrefour.
This wine has been made through careful research on the selection of native yeasts, in order to create a wine with very different nuances and profiles. Intended to accompany roasts, meat stews, mature cheeses and cured meats. It was awarded five stars (out of five) in its analysis.
Pado de los Capellanes
It received a score of 84 points out of 100. Pago de Los Capellanes Crianza 2018 has a cherry red colour with garnet and violet tones, with aromas of medium intensity and hints of spices and vanilla with roasted nuances. It received five stars (out of five) in its analysis. It has a price of 21.56 euros.
Like the previous wine, this red is intended to accompany stews, sausages, roasts and mature cheeses. It can be bought in different supermarkets such as Carrefour and El Corte Ingles
Valpincia
It received a score of 84 points out of 100, is considered one of the best wines in the analysis. Valpincia Crianza 12 months has a medium persistence and hints of cocoa and ripe black fruits. In the mouth, it is of medium intensity, polished tannin, with a certain balance, good acidity and a delicate flavour. It also received five stars (out of five) in its analysis. It only has a price of 10.17 euros.
It is a clean and bright wine, with a cherry red colour and significant maroon tones. It can be purchased in supermarkets such as El Corte Inglés.
Prado Rey Cuvee Premium
It received a score of 84 points out of 100. This 10-month 2019 red wine is one of the best value wines here with a Denomination of Origin Ribera del Duero. With aromas of medium intensity, spices, black fruits, light toast and hints of wood. It received five stars (out of five) for its rigorous analysis. It costs 11.06 euros.
It is a wine of medium intensity that, like the rest of the wines previously analysed, is intended to accompany dishes such as stews, sausages or mature cheeses. It can be purchased in supermarkets such as Hipercor or El Corte Inglés.
Viña Arnáiz
It received a score of 82 points out of 100. This 2016 tempranillo stands out for its analysis in the gustatory phase, with a certain balance, smoothness and good persistence. It received five stars (out of five) in its analysis. It has a price of 8.82 euros. This clean, bright red wine can be purchased at various local stores such as Carrefour and El Corte Ingles.