Vega Sicilia is without doubt the most prestigious winery in Spain; a pioneer that is often referred to as the Spanish “First Growth", having blazed a trail and set the highest of standards for the wines of Ribera del Duero.
It was founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who returned from Bordeaux with cuttings of the local grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec and planted them, together with Tinto Fino (a.k.a Tempranillo) in the challenging and arid soils of the region. However, it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that the winery began to win critical acclaim under the guidance of Antonio Herrero. Vega Sicilia has been owned by the Alvarez family since 1982, and the estate has continued to build a formidable reputation both at home, and abroad, for producing the highest quality wines thanks to their meticulous attention to detail. When the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arose to visit Vega Sicilia a few years ago, the answer was only ever going to be yes…
Approaching the winery, the sense that something special was about to unfold was hard to ignore. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by Elisa Kwon Alvarez, wife of current owner Pablo Alvarez, who guided us through an informative and highly enjoyable private 3-hour tour and tasting. I have been fortunate to have visited a few wineries in my time, however, I have never been anywhere quite so special (apart from aptly, Bordeaux’s First Growths).
A well-oiled ship from start to finish, the commitment to the cause was second to none: from vineyard sites, soil compositions to the state-of-the-art winery (that would give Cheval Blanc a run for its money!) as well as their cooperage and cellar; it was, and is, evident that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of greatness. And the wines? It was a real privilege to try them and an experience I shall never forget.
Over the years, the Alvarez family have expanded their portfolio throughout Spain with Bodegas Alion (Ribera del Duero) and Bodegas Pintia (Toro) as well as collaborating with Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild [Lafite] to create Macán (La Rioja) with the same level of passion and determination to create the very best wines possible.
It is therefore with great pleasure that I can announce the latest Vega Sicilia wines Pintia, Macan and Macan Clasico have now arrived. All wines (from both the 2015 and 2016 vintages), have been aged in the respective wineries cellars until they are deemed ready to drink and be released onto the market.
Pintia 2015 | £198.00 IB (6x75cl)
100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) from the famous pebbled vineyards located on the west bank of the Duero river. A very fine example of Toro; full-bodied, rich and voluptuous.
"A very structured and intense Pintia with lots of blackberry, chocolate and cedar character. Full body. Yet, it’s more refined than in past vintages. One of the more balanced bottlings from this winery. Delicious already."
95/100 points. James Suckling.
"Moderate acidity and a creamy, soft texture, with plenty of concentration, ripeness and tannins... All this goes in the direction of keeping the freshness of the wine in a zone where power comes naturally, and all the tools are welcomed, including the use of different toast in the barrels. All this seems to have paid off, and even if the wine is powerful and tannic, it has good balance and the tannins are fine-grained. This has reached a good balance between power and elegance."
94/100 points. Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate).
SOLD OUT
Macan 2015 | £264.00 IB (6x75cl)
The flagship wine from the bodega using 100% Tempranillo from prime vineyards in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida, Abalos and El Villar. Aged for 16-18 months in French oak, followed by a further 3 years in bottle - a modern and elegant Rioja.
"A dense red that is agile and energetic with gorgeous blackberry, dark chocolate and hints of cedar. Notes of spice and toasted chocolate. Full to medium body, very long and polished textures. A classic Rioja with a touch of modernity."
95/100 points. James Suckling.
SOLD OUT
Macan Clasico 2016 | £150.00 IB (6x75cl)
In the Bordeaux style of offering a second wine, Macan Clasico is more approachable and has more delicate fruit than its older brother. However, don't let that fool you - aged in 50% new oak, this is still a serious and intense Rioja.
"A very perfumed red with ultra fine and chewy tannins that coat the mouth and draw you down the linear line of this wine. Purple fruit, stones and blue fruit. Medium to full body. Better in 2021, but already beautiful."
93/100 points. James Suckling.
SOLD OUT
Priced are quoted by the case (as stated), In Bond and exlude UK Duty & VAT.
If you wish to discuss any of the wines further please do give us a call in the office on 01325 776446, where we would be more than happy to help.
