Fuentenebro: The hidden treasure of Ribera del Duero
Fuentenebro is probably the village we felt in love the most when we visited its vineyards for the first time. That was back in 2012, the moment when we discovered the small treasure Ribera del Duero, had for us, a small village in Burgos’ province.
Viñedos from Fuentenebro
Fuentenebro is the key element in one of the most valuable wine in Bodegas Resalte: Resalte Expresión. Vineyards from Fuentenebro are small and very old. Yields are extremely low with a very limited number of estates and with Tempranillo vines mixed with white varietals as Albillo Mayor and white Garnacha.
The characteristic red colour of the soils from Fuentenebro is the result of iron oxide compounds. Clay soils are usually very good keeping water. Furthermore, our vineyards are oriented to the south, so the solar exposure is maximized. These conditions are essential to achieve the optimum ripeness and have enough available water reserves to complete the vegetative cycle during our hot and dry summer without an excessive hydric stress.
Moreover, the elevation is another important factor. All these together with the local weather from Fuentenebro are required elements to achieve an outstanding ripeness but with high acidity, an unreplaceable characteristic of wines with long ageing potential
Grapes from Fuentenebro
All grapes from Fuentenebro are grown, produced and aged independently in order to preserve and enhance the terroir of this area.
Among all plots from Fuentenebro, 2 vineyards are chosen to produce Resalte Expresión and Origen de Resalte. Generally speaking, wines are powerful, full bodied, with a ripe nose and a fine minerality.
We believe so strongly in the quality of the wines from Fuentenebro we are planting new vines, especially on those high-altitude areas above 950m high (3116ft.)
An exhaustive research has been done in collaboration with our vine growers to study different Tempranillo clones. The goal is to know which clone has the best behavior in the area to achieve the best adaptation and quality. Thus, these clones will be grown on our new estates.
Where is Fuentenebro
Fuentenebro is located at the South of Burgos province. 100km away from the capital and just at 20km from Aranda de Duero. The village was known as Fuente Enebro back in ancient times and belonged to Torregalindo’s jurisdiction.
The latest census of population in Fuentenebro showed 131 inhabitants. This number has decreased during the last years. By the beginning of the 19th century, Fuentenebro had 1,000. In addition, Fuentenebro has become older as its vineyards, being the average age 80 years old.
Although it is a region with a very low population, it is one of the vast villages of Castilla y León with an extension of 38,69km2.
What to visit in Fuentenebro
The red soils are the most iconic thing in the landscape of this village from Burgos. Vulture nests are very common as well as some marine fossils. These are coming from several thousand years ago when the area was under water.
The red dust coming from the fields are something even more noticeable while you go for a walk around the streets of Fuentenebro and the reddish dust covers the walls of the houses. On the top of the rock of Fuentenebro, there is a watchtower which was used to defend the Torregalindo’s castle.
Two buildings are remarkable as artistic patrimony of the village: The Renaissance San Lorenzo church and the Castle of La Peña. This belonged to the Count of Siruela and it is a Cultural Interest Site since 1949.
Local festivity
This small village of Ribera del Duero has two festivities. The Festivity of Nuestra Señora del Carmen is on the 16thof July. Later during August, Saint Lorenzo festivity.
