Vega Sicilia : Valbuena 5 Ano 2018

A great Ribera del Duero wine with a complex and rich aromatic palette

The estate

Since its acquisition by the Álvares family in 1982, Vega Sicilia has continued to grow and establish its international reputation. Today, a continual pursuit of excellence, harmony with nature, hard work and unfailing commitment make this Spanish estate a prestigious name. Over the years, other wineries like Pintia have come to embrace and enhance the Vega Sicilia philosophy. Thus, the extreme care taken in the vineyards as well as in the vinification process is the sign of great Spanish wines from unique lands.

The vineyard

Bordering the river Duero, the 210 hectares of vineyards are divided into three grape varieties: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 140 hectares of this production are reserved for the production of Valbuena and Unico, while the rest is destined for the production of Alión. The average age of the vines grown on this clay-limestone terroir is 33 years.

The wine

Valbuena 5 Ano from Vega Sicilia is a Ribera del Duero wine whose name comes from its five-year ageing period.

Winemaking and ageing

This wine was aged for 5 years; the first year 75% in French oak barrels and 25% in American oak, to give structure, tannic structure and density. In the second year, the wine was matured in tuns, allowing the elegance and complexity as well as the precision and subtlety of this cuvée to develop.

Blend

Tempranillo (96%)
Merlot (4%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Valbuena 5 Ano 2018 from Vega Sicilia

Tasting

With its brilliant colour, this wine delights with its texture, its crystal-clear scents and its creamy texture. Throughout the tasting, fruity (ripe berries, cherries, plum jam), floral, spicy and herbaceous (lovage, sage, basil) notes mingle with a subtle hint of Espelette pepper with elegance and minerality.

Food and wine pairings

Red meats or Spanish charcuterie pair excellently with this Ribera del Duero wine.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve at 18°C.

Storage

This great Castille-León wine can be enjoyed today, and can be laid down until 2048 to unveil all its aromatic palette.