Domaine Vega Sicilia
The legendary story of an exceptional vineyard in the Ribera del Duero.
In the heart of Castilla y León, in the north of Spain, lies a winery whose name is synonymous of excellence: Vega Sicilia. Since the 1980s, this prestigious estate has propelled the Ribera del Duero to international prominence, raising the profile of the region's wines.
Stretching over 110 kilometers along the banks of the Duero River, which originates in Portugal and runs through the cities of Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia, the Ribera del Duero vineyard enjoys a unique and favourable soil for the vine’s cultivation. The red wines produced in this appellation are aged in barrels and are composed mainly of the Tempranillo grape variety, locally known as tinta del pais.
Ribera del Duero has all the right conditions to produce delicious wines, making it a unique terroir to explore. Like many other Spanish wine regions, Ribera del Duero faces extremely hot summers, with temperatures sometimes reaching remarkable heights, such as in 2022 when it climbed to 46.8°C. However, thanks to its high altitude, this region enjoys cool nights that provide an essential balance. The vineyards, perched between 720 and 1,100 meters above sea level, surpass even some of the famous Bordeaux wine regions in terms of elevation, which are at almost sea level. The harvest, among the latest in Europe, sometimes extends into November.
Summers can therefore be short but scorching, while long, late frosts can occur as early as September and as late as June 6. This means that sugar levels in the grapes can rise rapidly, often exceeding the ripeness of the tannins. Today, winemakers are looking for softer, less aggressive tannins. So, before all the elements are sufficiently ripe, acidity levels can sometimes be too low to ensure the desired freshness in the final wine. This is a challenge that Ribera del Duero producers must meet with care and expertise.
The history of Bodega Vega Sicilia dates to 1842, when the wines of this prestigious winery were offered to aristocrats and members of the royal family. The vineyards belonged to the Marquis of Valbuena, located in Valbuena de Duero. However, it was in 1864 that the founder of the estate, Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who had a passion for Bordeaux wines, truly transformed the vineyard inherited from his father.
Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves decided to innovate by introducing French grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and other varieties to the lands of Vega Sicilia. Combined with the local Tempranillo grape, these foreign varieties brought a new dimension to the wines of the region, creating a unique and emblematic style that distinguishes the wines of Vega Sicilia.
Since then, Vega Sicilia's reputation has grown steadily, attracting the attention of connoisseurs from all over the world. The wines produced by this winery are considered wine treasures, combining tradition and innovation, and embodying the pure and authentic expression of the Ribera del Duero terroir.
The combination of favourable geographical factors, a rich history, and an unwavering passion for the art of winemaking has allowed Vega Sicilia to rise to the top of the Spanish wine industry. Today, the winery continues to make history, producing wines of exceptional quality that will continue to delight the palates of wine lovers around the world.
Vega Sicilia is more than just a winery; it is a living legend that embodies passion, tradition, and excellence. The brand continues to push the limits of quality and innovation, making its footprint on the world of wine and making the Ribera del Duero an unmissable reference for lovers of great wines.
DOMAINE VEGA SICILIA - Alion - 2012 - Bouteille de 75 cl
DOMAINE VEGA SICILIA - Alion - 2017 – Bouteille de 75 cl
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