Bodegas Vega Sicilia

The history of the estate

The history of Bodega Vega Sicilia began in 1982 when the Alvarez family bought the estate from a Venezuelan entrepreneur in order to make it the pillar of their wine project.

In 1991, the winery created Alión, a wine that broke with the classic pattern of Vega Sicilia wines. Coming from the Ribera del Duero, about fifteen kilometers from its confreres, it will impel a renewal in the way of elaborating the wines of the valley.

In 1993, as a tribute to the recent fall of communism in Hungary, the Tokaj-Oremus vintage was founded, vinified with the Hungarian grape variety Tokay. This modern and technologically innovative white wine will bring a touch of freshness to the vineyard.

In 2001, the Pintia vintage was created, further along the Duero river. This new wine is in line with the family's project to expand its horizon throughout the valley.

In 2013, the Macán vintage is released. This wine is the result of a twelve-year long project, jointly conducted by Benjamin Rothschild and the Vega Sicilia estate. These two world-renowned names have been able to get the best out of the Rioja terroir to produce great wines.

The Terroir

The vineyards of Vega Sicilia are bordered by the Duero River to the north and pine forests to the south. This varied ecosystem helps to give a certain complexity to the wines. In addition, Javier Ausás, the director of the estate, regularly plants trees to further diversify the ecosystem of the terroir.

The micro terroirs differ according to the different appellations: Ribera del Duero, Rioja, and Toro. As a whole, the vineyards enjoy a continental climate and soft limestone soils. The Tokaj vineyard is located in Hungary where it enjoys a climate and soil much closer to that found in Hungary.

The estate is particularly keen to maintain the local terroir and biodiversity. Even though it is not certified in Organic Agriculture, the vineyard works hand in hand with Claude Bourguignon, a soil microbiologist, in order to work the terroir in its most total respect.

The wines

The Alion vintage offers a deep, ruby red color. On the nose, there are aromas of black fruits, as well as hints of spice and floral. The mouth of this wine is ample and dense with intense fruit, and an amazing freshness. The finish is persistent and harmonious.

The Unico vintage exudes a color ranging from bright ruby red to garnet red, even brown depending on the length of cellaring. On the nose, there is a very aromatic bouquet of pepper, candied fruit and a floral touch. In the mouth, we find melted tannins for a beautiful roundness and beautiful fruity aromas.