The Ribera del Duero area enjoys a continental climate with an Atlantic influence. There are 250 hectares of vineyard at Vega Sicilia and yields are strictly limited. All vines are dry grown and hand pruned, giving less than two kilos each. Oak is a critical part of the vinification, forging a true consortium with the wine. It is essential that most of the casks are coopered at the winery itself. Valbuena is a cepage of varying proportions, according to vintage, Tempranillo and Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Vega Sicilia Valbuena is treated to maturation in a selection of new and seasoned, French and American oak casks and larger format oak vats for up to three years, followed by two in the bottle before release.