Ribera del Duero is possibly Spain's greatest wine region that you have never heard of - almost unknown until the early 1980s, it is still hardly a household name.
With a harsh climate and high altitudes, it produces intense and vibrant wines with the colour and depth that come from a long growing season; with daytime temperatures in the mid-thirties, an overnight chill of low teens means that harvest can take place as late as October.
This combination of plentiful sunshine and diurnal temperature variation means a long, slow ripening period giving thick skins, intense freshness and lots of flavour.
Viña Arnáiz Ribera del Duero (£8.99) fresh, juicy cherry and plum fruit with spice and earthiness; very fine tannins; vibrant, focused and supple.
Good.
Match with rare red meat such as beef or venison, or even tuna steak.
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