The aim of this research was to analyze the variability of ripening characteristics of the Tempranillo variety in relation to climate conditions within the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin (Spain).

Grape characteristics measured at ripening [berry weight, total soluble solids, pH, acidity (titratable and malic), anthocyanins (total and extractable) and color index (CI)], recorded from 2003 to 2013 in twenty-six plots distributed throughout the Ribera del Duero region were related to climate conditions [temperature, precipitation and different bioclimatic indexes (WI and HI)].

Differences in these parameters were found between years with different climatic conditions (dry and wet years and warm and cool conditions) as well as between the plots located on the terraces and on the hillslopes.

Keywords: viticulture, enology, terroir, acidity, anthocyanins, berry weight, hillslopes, precipitation, river terraces, temperature

Paper presented at the XI International Terroir Congress, July 2016, McMinnville, Oregon (USA).