Castile and Leon has been producing wine for many centuries although until recently, the wine had been of a sub standard nature. About twelve years ago all that changed and the region now produces some excellent vintages. Noted mostly for its reds the region in the centre of Castile and Leon around Valalodid is the main producer. The grape variety used for the reds is the Tempranillo. These grapes create the now renowned D.O Ribera del Duro . These wines can be full bodied and meaty or  more recently a light and fruity variety.  Prior to new production methods being introduced, the wine tended to be heavy and almost sherry like.  The D.O Ribera del Duro wines have shot up in price in recent years as word has spread.

As well as the ribera wines, the region around Zamora is now being recognised as a necomer with excellent potential.  This area produces D.O Torro or bull.  A heavy but not overpowering red also made from the Tempranillo grape.

In the northwest corner of Castile and Leon there is another wine  region producing another up and coming wine D.O Bierzo. This area is a fertile valley and the grape variety used is called the mencía.  This grape produces a light fruity red, totally different from the Torro or Ribera wines. The mood about wine production in this area is upbeat and the area has attracted new growers keen to promote these new wines.  The area also produces some half decent whites and a few of the heavier rose wines but on the whole Castile and Leon is regarded as red wine country.