Vega Sicilia is arguably Spain's most prestigious wine estate, and Alion represents their contemporary approach to Ribera del Duero. Created in the 1990s to showcase pure Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) from specific parcels, with French oak aging rather than the traditional American oak. The focus is on power, concentration and precision. The 2021 vintage in Ribera delivered excellent ripeness with balance and structure.
Blackberry, black cherry and cassis with dark chocolate, espresso and cedar. Full bodied with dense, concentrated fruit and firm tannins. There's power and intensity here, showing the muscular side of Ribera del Duero. Velvety texture with grip and structure underneath. Layers of complexity with graphite, liquorice and mineral notes. Long, persistent finish.
Decant for at least 90 minutes, preferably longer. This needs serious air to show its best. Pairs excellently with prime beef, roast lamb, game, or aged hard cheeses. Still quite youthful and tight, will develop beautifully over 15-20 years.
Wine characteristics
Spain
Tempranillo
2021
Bodegas Vega Sicilia
14.5%
Standard - 75cl
Cork
Tips
How to serve?
Decant before serving
Goes well with
Beef
Goes well with
Cheese
Goes well with
Game
Goes well with
Lamb
Goes well with
Pork
Goes well with
Steak
Goes well with
Vegetable
Discover
Founded in 1864, 118 years before the Ribera del Duero region was demarcated, Vega Sicilia are and always have been the pace setters in the region. Taken over by the Alvarez family in 1982, they are without doubt Spain’s most famous winery. Their 250 hectares of vines are planted with Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. Impressively, the winery also has its own cooperage, where, using state-of-the-art machinery, the American oak barrels that Vega Sicilia uses to age its wines are produced.
Winemaker's Notes: "Alión embodies the diversity of Ribera del Duero. This wine represents a mosaic of personalities, with vineyards from the eastern border of the appellation (Soria) to the western end (the Vega Sicilia estate in Valbuena de Duero). During the ageing process, in concrete, barrels and oak vats, the different sites are blended to create a harmonious Ribera.
2021 was a vintage to savour. The wines developed gently and the winemaking flowed smoothly. It was a year to remember and one that we are very proud of. A balanced, silky and profound vintage."
12 months in barrels, concrete, and oak vats, and 18 months aging in bottle.
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