Living the dream in Ribera del Duero: Cillar De Silos

Cillar de Silos was a perfect way to start our last day of living the dream in Ribera del Duero Wine Country! Our WineMine travels with SweetEasy took us to this very special place rich in wine history. Naming the winery Cillar de Silos is a tribute to a monk who was in charge of wine storage at the Silos Monastery. The Aragón family decided to restore the underground 16th century cellars, where wines were stored for the Monastery of Silos. Cillar de Silos has been instrumental in preserving that history while producing some of the world's best wines.

WineMine Tasting Cillar de Silos Wines © Spaswinefood

Welcome to Cillar De Silos

Cillar De Silos, Quintana del Pidio, in the Ribera Burgos area, was a big hit for us. The Aragón family has been involved in wine production since 1970's. Grapes for their wines come from more than 150 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards, within the Garden of Ribera del Duero. Some of these vineyards are small plots, less than one hectare. The vines range in age, from 15 years to more than 100 years, with some pre-phylloxera plots. Give the nature of the climate in this area, the vines do not often suffer from diseases. The biggest challenge is the occasional damage from hail. Northern Ribera del Duero’s continental climate is characterized by extremely cold winters and blazing hot summers. Its massive diurnal temperature range allows for both the accumulation of grape sugar and the retention of grape acidity.

Cillar De Silos Winery, Quintana del Pidio © Spaswinefood

After we met at Cellar de Silos winery we were off to their historic cellars. 

Off to Cillar de Silos Historic Cellars © Spaswinefood

Soon we were walking through the remains of old historic buildings towards the entrance to the underground cellar.

Poppies, Cillar de Silos © Spaswinefood

Poppies & Ventilation Towers, Cillar de Silos © Spaswinefood

Spring Time Poppies, Cillar de Silos © Spaswinefood

Soon we were at the entrance to Cellar Silos underground cellar.

Main Entrance Cillar de Silos Cellars © Spaswinefood

As we entered the underground cellars we first arrived in an area with a large wine press on display.

Welcome to Cillar de Silos Underground Cellars © Spaswinefood

Besides viewing the historic wine press we were introduced to the concrete vats used for wine aging.

Wine Press, Cillar de Silos Underground Cellars © Spaswinefood

Concrete Vats, Cillar de Silos © Spaswinefood

Introduction Cillar de Silos Underground Cellars © Spaswinefood

From there it was through an entrance that would take us down into the main underground cellar area.

Entrance, Cillar de Silos Underground Cellars © Spaswinefood

Once underground we viewed a number of cellaring areas connected via tunnels.

Underground, Cillar de Silos Cellars © Spaswinefood

We also viewed a number of barrel rooms used to age the wines.

A Barrel Room, Cillar de Silos © Spaswinefood

Besides aging in concrete vats and barrels the underground cellar is utilized for storage and further aging of some bottled wines. Underground cellars have been used in this area for over 300 years. They are 14 m underground, and around 30 km in length, they have a constant temperature of 13°C.

Bottle Storage Area, Cillar de Silos © Spaswinefood

Wine Storage, Cillar De Silos © Spaswinefood

After touring those unique underground cellars, it was back up to the surface, and then off to a nearby site where we did a wine tasting.

Off to Taste Cillar de Silos Wines © Spaswinefood

Cillar de Silos Winery © Spaswinefood

Cillar de Silos Wine Tasting

Our wine tasting was at a beautiful restored old, traditional winery (pre-1975).

Table Ready, Cillar De Silos © Spaswinefood

Wine Tasting, Cillar De Silos © Spaswinefood

Our table had tasty charcuterie to go along with the wine tasting.

Cillar de Silos Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood

Ready to Taste Wine, Cillar de Silos © Spaswinefood

After a brief overview the tasting began.

Dominio Del Pidio Rosado © Spaswinefood

Dominio Del Pidio, Rosado, DO Riberia Del Duero 2021

Dominio Del Pidio, Rosado, DO Ribera Del Duero 2021 © Spaswinefood

This rosé wine is 50% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 50% Albillo.

Cillar De Silos Blanco, DO Ribera Del Duero 2021

Cillar De Silos Blanco (Albillo Mayor), DO Ribera Del Duero 2021 © Spaswinefood

This white wine is produced from hand harvested Albillo grapes grown on vines up to 100 years old. Clearly, the use of Albillo grapes in the making of Cillar De Silos white and rosé wines illustrates quite well how this grape can produce excellent wines in the hands of a skilled winemaker. 

Next, we were onto the Tempranillo wines, beginning with a crianza.

Cillar de Silos Tempranillo © Spaswinefood

Cillar de Silos, Crianza, DO Ribera Del Duero 2020

Cillar de Silos, Crianza, DO Ribera Del Duero 2020 © Spaswinefood

Crianza wines, as per DO Ribera Del Duero regulations, must be aged at least 12 months in oak barrel and cannot be released before 24 months. In this case carefully selected Tempranillo grapes are grown on a variety of different terroirs, some of which are tiny plots with very old vines. It is matured for 13 months in French oak. 

Domino Del Pidio, DO Ribera Del Duero 2020

Domino Del Pidio, DO Ribera Del Duero 2020 © Spaswinefood

Dominio Del Pidio, DO Ribera Del Duero 2020 © Spaswinefood

The Tempranillo grapes for this wine are grown in old Quintana del Pidio vineyards where they are cultivated using organic agriculture and biodynamic techniques, and limiting the yield. The grapes ferment spontaneously with native yeasts in cement tanks. The wine then ages for 15 months in 228 and 500 litre French oak barrels.

Flor de Silos, DO Ribera Del Duero 2018

Flor de Silos, DO Ribera Del Duero 2018 © Spaswinefood

Flor de Silos, Crianza, DO Ribera Del Duero 2018 © Spaswinefood

Flor de Silos, DO Ribera Del Duero 2018 © Spaswinefood

The grapes are grown vines that are at least 120 years old. The vines are super gnarly and withered, its roots reach down 20-30 metres in search of nutrients. The amount of Tempranillo fruit each vine produces is quite small, with only around 10 barrels produced each year. The wine is aged French oak for 18 months. The result is a world-class red wine capable of aging for decades.

Our wine tasting was an excellent introduction to Cillar De Silos wines.

We ended the tasting with a Vermouth. Vermouth is project recently undertaken by the winery.

Golfo Vermouth Tinto © Spaswinefood

The vermouth is made exclusively from Tempranillo grapes and aged in oak casks before bottling.

Let's take a look at the wine displays.

Cillar de Silos Wines © Spaswinefood

Cillar de Silos Wines © Spaswinefood

Once you tour Cillar De Silos estate and/or taste their wines you will be impressed. Of course my European friends who were traveling with their cars were able to stock up on these wines. Some of the above Cillar De Silos wines are available in US wine shops. Indeed, experiencing today's Ribera del Duero first hand was the perfect opportunity to not only discover amazing wines but also, learn about its long history and tradition of wine making. Cillar De Silos, within the Burgos area of Ribera, plays an important role of preserving and sharing that history. Throughout our spring time vine-filled travels within the DO I loved viewing the stunning landscape, dotted with poppies. I so loved passing the historic castle on the hill overlooking Peñfiel.

Ribera del Duero Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Historic Castle, Peñafiel, Ribero del Duero © Spaswinefood

For sure being introduced to Cillar De Silos wines, and its role in preserving Ribera del Duero's rich wine making history was an amazing living the dream experience. After our Cillar De Silos visit our Ribera del Duero stops included  Cepa 21 (toured winery, tasted the wines, and had the most delicious lunch (modern style cuisine) and wine pairing. Later, that evening back at the hotel before dinner, my WineMine friends would share some of their favorite wines. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Spain and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my recent vine-filled explorations in Spain. 

CHEERS!

Sharon 

May 2023

Ribera del Duero, Spain 

© Spaswinefood

Cillar De Silos, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

Spring Time Poppies, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

NOTE: Ribera del Duero DO is one of Spain's best red wine regions. It is known for its Tempranillo (Tinto Fino), which is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, up to 25 %. The appellation is almost exclusively red and rosado (rosé) wines. To be recognized as DO,  its red wines must contain a minimum of 75 % Tempranillo. No more than 5 % Garnacha or Albillo, in total, may be added. Its Rosado wines must have a minimum of 50 % of the authorized red varieties. The white wine produced, mostly for local consumption, is Albillo. DO regulations require at least 75 % of Albillo grapes be used.

Overall today's red wines are more balanced and elegant than earlier wines that I have tasted. While red wines will always take central stage in Ribera del Duero, the rosé and white wines that I tasted are a great addition to the overall wine portfolio. 

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Vignettes from Ribera del Duero

I still remember those WineMine travels with Claire that took us from San Sebastian to Peñafiel. Last May, I joined WineMine friends from Portugal for a SweetEasy wine tour of the Basque Txakoli wine region, followed by wine explorations in Ribera del Duero. This post will be an overview, the first in Living the Dream series of posts, that I will do on Ribera del Duero wine country. Not only, would I discover the spring time beauty of Ribera del Duero but also, learn about its long history and tradition of wine making.

Winemine, Mélida Boutique Winery, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

Ribera del Duero

Indeed, I had come to experience today's Ribera del Duero first hand. Over three days, we would visit a variety of wineries, ranging from boutique to large scale producers. In addition, our foodie adventures would include traditional to modern style cuisine.

Ribera del Duero Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Ribera del Duero DO is located in northern Spain's Castilla y León region. There on the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, along the sides of the Duero River, the wine region occupies the southern plains of Burgos province, extends west to Valladolid, and into parts of Segovia and Doris provinces. The appellation received DO status in 1982. In 2008, it was approved for Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) status however, it never pursued this classification, so it remains a DO appellation. It is one of Spain's best red wine regions. It is known for its Tempranillo (Tinto Fino), which is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, up to 25 %. The appellation is almost exclusively red and rosado (rosé) wines. To be recognized as DO,  its red wines must contain a minimum of 75 % Tempranillo. No more than 5 % Garnacha or Albillo, in total, may be added. Its Rosado wines must have a minimum of 50 % of the authorized red varieties. The white wine produced, mostly for local consumption, is Albillo. DO regulations require at least 75 % of Albillo grapes be used.

Red Poppies, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

Spring time was great timing to checkout the wines, the cuisine and admire the landscape, dotted with poppies.

Travels in Ribera del Duero Wine Country

Upon arrival in Ribero del Duero our very first wine tasting was at Bodegas Aalto. After the wine tasting we ate lunch in Peñafiel, checked into Hotel La Vida, and concluded with dinner at our hotel.

Bodegas Aalto

For sure expectations were high for our first wine tasting at Bodegas Aalto. Bodegas Aalto has the reputation of producing some of the finest wines in Ribera del Duero and Spain.

Vineyard Views at Bodegas Aalto, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

We were about to taste some of the top rated wines in the world.

Wine Tasting, Bodegas Aalto © Spaswinefood

We tasted two of their 2020 wines.

Bodegas Aalto 2020 Wines © Spaswinefood

While these wines are ready to drink now they will gain complexity over the years.

After our first wine tasting at Bodegas Aalto it was off to lunch in Peñafiel.

Molino de Palacios, Peñafiel

Molino de Palacios, Peñafiel © Spaswinefood

Over lunch we enjoyed some traditional Spanish foods with Ribera del Duero wines. We would later check into our hotel, followed by dinner.

Everywhere our vine-filled Ribera del Duero explorations took us, poppies and vineyards dotted the landscape. 

Pago de Carraovejas, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

Next day, we visited Pago de Carraovejas for a wine and food pairing, boutique winery Mélida Wines for a tasting and lunch, concluding at Convento Oreja. We would end day with a Prado & Co Vermouth Master Class before dinner at our hotel.

Pago de Carraovejas

Pago de Carraovejas © Spaswinefood

Pago de Carraovejas is a stunning winery, with amazing views all around it.

Views of the Castle from Pago de Carraovejas © Spaswinefood

After touring the winery we enjoyed the most fantastic wine and food pairing.

Wine & Food Pairing, Pago de Carraovejas © Spaswinefood

It was an excellent food and wine pairing. The wines were paired with modern style cuisine.

Pago de Carraovejas Wines © Spaswinefood

Mélida Wines

Ribera del Duero is home to boutique winery, Mélida Wines. Here we toured the winery, did a wine tasting, and enjoyed the very best gourmet lunch.

Winemakers, Mélida Boutique Winery © Spaswinefood

We had the most amazing gourmet lunch with Mélida Wines.

Lunch, Restaurante Mélida Wines © Spaswinefood

I would highly recommend dining here.

Convento Oreja

We visited Convento Oreja on short notice to discover wonderful wines and amazing hospitality.

Wine Tasting, Convento Oreja © Spaswinefood

We gathered around the table for a fabulous presentation on Convento Oreja wines.

Tasting Convento Oreja Wines © Spaswinefood

Tasting Convento Oreja wines was a perfect way to end the day's wine travels.

Convento Oreja Wines © Spaswinefood

This wine lineup include their new releases, and 2011 and 2004 wines.

Prado & Co Vermouth Master Class

That evening back at the hotel Sinisa gave us Prado & Co Vermouth Master Class before dinner.

Prado & Co Vermouth Master Class, Hotel La Vida © Spaswinefood

It was a delight for me to revisit these wines.

Prado & Co Vermouth © Spaswinefood

I still remember an earlier visit to Prado & Co. February 2018.

#Winelovers Casting Shadows, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood

Winelover Shadows, Padró & Co. © Spaswinefood

Our last day touring Ribera del Duero included stops at Cillar De Silos, Cepa 21, and concluded with a wine sharing at our hotel.

Cillar De Silos
Cillar De Silos was a big hit for us.

Cillar De Silos Winery © Spaswinefood

We met at the winery and were off to their historic cellars.

Cillar De Silos © Spaswinefood

After touring those unique underground cellars, which date back to 16th century, we did a wine tasting.

Table Ready, Cillar De Silos © Spaswinefood

Wine Tasting, Cillar De Silos © Spaswinefood

Once you tour and taste Cillar De Silos wines you will leave impressed.

Bodegas Cepa 21

Bodegas Cepa 21 © Spaswinefood

We toured the Copa 21 winery, tasted the wines, and ate the most delicious lunch.

Wine Tasting, Bodegas Cepa 21 © Spaswinefood

Lunch was an excellent food (modern style cuisine) and wine pairing affair.

Food & Wine Pairing, Bodegas Cepa 21 © Spaswinefood

The wine selection poured during lunch included wines other than Copa 21 wines. There was also a special beer and drink included in the dining experience. 

Wines Served, Bodegas Cepa 21 © Spaswinefood

Later, back at the hotel before dinner, my WineMine friends would share some of their favorite wines.

During my springtime visit to Ribera del Duero many times we passed the historic castle on the hill overlooking Peñfiel.

Historic Castle, Ribero del Duero © Spaswinefood

Historic Castle, Peñafiel, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

Also, wherever we travelled there were red poppies.

Spring Time Poppies, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

Poppies, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

Spring Time, Ribera del Duero © Spaswinefood

Ribera Del Duero is where the wine is oh so great and the poppies dot the landscape. Right from the first evening of our WineMine travels back in San Sebastián Sinisa set the stage for Ribera Del Duero wines by including the following wine:

 

Quinta Milá, La Cometa Ribera del Duero DO 2020 © Spaswinefood

Besides discovering the beauty of this region Ribera Del Duero wines are changing since I was first introduced to this wine region in 2013. Overall today's red wines are more balanced and elegant than earlier wines that I have tasted. While red wines will always take central stage in Ribera del Duero, the rosé and white wines that I tasted are a great addition to the overall wine portfolio. This region offers traditional to modern style cuisine. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Spain and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my recent vine-filled explorations in Spain. 

CHEERS!

Sharon 

May 2023

Ribera del Duero, Spain 

© Spaswinefood

Ribera del Duero Travels with WineMine Friends © Spaswinefood

Ribero del Duero Poppies © Spaswinefood

Poppies of Spring Time, Ribero del Duero © Spaswinefood

 

More on Ribera del Duero Wines

Many times at prior wine events I have had the pleasure of enjoying Ribera del Duero wines. During those Wine Wednesday gatherings in Guatemala we explored Ribera del Duero and Roja Tempranillo wines. Also, during a press trip to north Spain in 2013, and a #WBC15 Wine Bloggers Conference. 

Ribero del Duero & Rioja Wines, Wine Wednesday © Spaswinefood

Ribera del Duero wines at #WBC15 Wine Bloggers Conference 

1. Portia Crianza, Ribera del Duero DO 2009

Portia Crianza, Ribera del Duero DO 2009 © Spaswinefood

During the conference I also tasted another Portia wine.

Portia Crianza, Ribera del Duero DO 2013 © Spaswinefood

2. Bodegas Fuentespina, Selección 2011

Bodegas Fuentespina, Selección 2011 © Spaswinefood

These bold, complex red wines are rich in fruit. 

Ribera y Rueda Wines © Spaswinefood

Checkout the RiberaRuedaWine website for an overall promotion of wines from these regions. 

Earlier Visit to Northern Spain, 2013

After a fabulous introduction to Rioja at Digital Wine Communications Conference (#DWCC) we went on a press trip to northern Spain sponsored by Araex. It was a tour through the wine regions of Rueda, Ribera del Deuro, Navarra and Rioja at the end of harvest. One of our stops through these wine regions included Bodegas Valtravieso (D.O. Ribera del Duero).

Vignette: Harvest Time at Bodegas Valtravieso (D.O. Ribera del Duero)
During our visit to Bodegas Valtravieso we were able see the harvest in its last day. When we arrived at the winery the owner met our group. He took us first to observed the harvest. Later, we toured the winery and sampled some of Bodegas Valtravieso wines. 

Bodegas Valtravieso owner leads wine tasting © Spaswinefood

Prior to arriving at the winery we had a fabulous lunch at Fuente De La Aceña where we also tasted some of Bodegas Valtravieso wines.

Lunch at Fuente De La Aceña © Spaswinefood

During lunch one of the wines we had was a Valtravieso Crianza, D.O. Ribera del Duero 2009.

Valtravieso Crianza, D.O. Ribera del Duero 2009 © Spaswinefood

Later during our wine tasting two of the wines we had were (1) Valtravieso Crianza, D.O. Ribera del Duero 2011 and (2) Michel Rolland/Javier Galarret Tempranillo Merlot, Ribera del Duero 2010. 

2011 Valtravieso Crianza & 2010 Rolland/Galarret Tempranillo Merlot © Spaswinefood

Two things stand out from our Bodegas Valtravieso visit were (1) the awesome wines we tasted and (2) the harvest visit.

2013 Harvest, Bodegas Valtravieso © Spaswinefood

2013 Harvest at Bodegas Valtravieso © Spaswinefood

The end October 2013 in northern Spain's  D.O. Ribera del Duero was the perfect opportunity to see first hand the ending of this year's harvest. The viewing of the harvest was possible at that time because it was 2-3 weeks later than normal. I invite you to join me in my travels in Spain and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

October 2013

Rioja, Spain

© Spaswinefood

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