Vega Sicilia Unico Tempranillo 2017

Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Ribera del Duero
Type: Red Wine
Grape Variety: Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2017
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. This is a harmonious & graceful, deep & complex wine amply supported by a fresh acidity & well-integrated tannins. On the palate, a deep core of dark cherry fruit & pomegranate flavors are framed by savory tobacco elements, a mineralic edge, and pronounced spice notes.

Winemaker / Tasting Notes

Unico comes from the oldest vines on the Vega Sicilia property. It has an intense ripe cherry color with the sharp edge of a proper Ribera del Duero wine. On the nose, prevalent aromas of toasty wood from oak aging & dark fruit characters emerge. On the palate, savory flavors of sweet tobacco, oakwood, & dark cherry are framed by pleasant & slightly bitter tannins with a light touch of sweetness.