Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Ribera del Duero
Type: Red Wine
Grape Variety: Tempranillo/Merlot/Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2018
Size: 750ml
Alcohol Volume / ABV: 14.5%
Body: Full
Sweetness: Dry
Why We Love This Wine
Vega Sicilia is by far the most prestigious wine estate in Ribera del Duero, and perhaps in all of Spain, with an almost mythical reputation of both rarity & quality for their wines. Located 100 miles north of Madrid on a high elevation, remote plateau of Castilla y Leon in the town of Valbuena del Duero, their grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec all brought from Bordeaux classified growth vineyards by the Estate's founder in 1864 with their main varietal still remaining to be the indigenous Tempranillo grape. The historical provenance of the estate was instrumental in the designation of Ribera del Duero as a DOC (Denominacion Origen Calcificada) in 1982, making the region at par with Rioja. Three flagship cuvees have made Vega Sicilia legendary: the Unico, Unico Reserva Especial (multi-vintage blend), and their Valbuena 5 Ano. These wines are legendary not only for their supreme quality but also for the prices they command. Explosive with a singular flair, the nose reveals complex & enticing aromas of florals, nutmeg, dark berries, chocolate, & wild herbs with added whiffs of white pepper & balsamic touches. This is a wonderfully fresh wine balanced beautifully by a supple richness and a fine texture along with an added keynote lift of acidity in its exceptionally long finish. Enjoy this now through 2035 with Braised Red Meats, Roasts, Lamb, Game, & Spiced Meats with Provencal Herbs, Mushrooms, & Legumes.
Winemaker / Tasting Notes
Bordeaux red with cardinal edges. Powerful aromas of ripe fruit with aromas of very fine oak. Typical balsamic touches of the Vega Sicilia terroir. Silky, enveloping the mouth with intensity and vanilla.
