La Planta Ribera del Duero '23

Ribera del Duero is one of Spain’s great red-wine regions, running along the Duero River on the high plains of Castilla y León. What makes it special is altitude and extremes: hot, sunny days, cool nights, and a long growing season that gives Tempranillo both ripeness and structure, while still holding onto freshness. Many of the best sites sit up on the páramoplateau, where limestone and clay soils help keep the wines firm, savory, and age-worthy.

La Planta is made by Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro, a benchmark estate on Ribera’s famed “Golden Mile.” The project began in the 1990s when the Arzuaga family, led by Florentino Arzuaga, established their winery alongside their large estate holdings in the area, quickly becoming known for polished, deeply regional reds. The wine takes its name from their Finca La Planta, an elevated, limestone-influenced property that supplies fruit with natural concentration and definition.

The 2023 La Planta Ribera del Duero is 100% Tempranillo, sourced entirely from that estate vineyard at roughly 911 meters on clay-limestone soils with limestone close to the surface. The winemaking is built around preserving fruit and freshness while adding a touch of seasoning: fermentation in stainless steel, followed by about six months in oak (a mix of French and American barrels), just enough to round the texture without pushing the wine into heavy “barrel” territory.

In the glass, it’s classic, vibrant Ribera: juicy red and dark fruit, a little spice, and a firm but friendly structure that makes it feel serious without being heavy. This is a perfect “any night” red for grilled steak or lamb kebabs.