2021 Vega Sicilia Alion Ribera del Duero

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: ''Alion 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.