Vega Sicilia - Pintia 2018
Vega Sicilia is considered the largest wine producer in Spain. The Ribera del Duero estate is known for its dense and complex red wines made primarily from the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grape variety. Its great wine, Unico , is one of Spain's most expensive and sought-after wines. The Vega Sicilia estate covers approximately 1,000 hectares, of which 210 hectares are under vines. It has been around since 1864, long before the development of the appellation in which it resides, and current wine styles date back to the 1910s. Quality has become more consistent since the current owners, the Alvarez family , took over in 1982. The vineyards are planted with approximately 80% Tempranillo, with the rest occupied by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and tiny amounts of Malbec. Yields are kept low, aided by green harvesting and careful grape selection. The winery operations are equally meticulous, with a highly technical series of rackings from large barrels to barrels, blending old and new oak and resulting in wines that are capable of long ageing. Vega Sicilia also owns the nearby Bodegas Alion , which produces high-quality Tempranillo varietal wines for earlier consumption, as well as Bodegas Pintia in Toro.
Pintia is made from hand-harvested Tempranillo . After double sorting, the grapes are cold macerated for 5 days before fermentation in oak vats. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in barrels, followed by aging in French oak (70%) and American oak (30%) for 12 months .
Varietal: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
