Vega Sicilia - Ribera del Duero DO - Valbuena - Red - 2018

Wine:

The 2018 Valbuena 5 Year Red Ribera del Duero is the purest expression of Vega Sicilia’s winemaking artistry, showcasing a spectacular balance underscored by remarkable finesse. From a cooler vintage than its predecessors, this wine offers a fresh perspective, with 96% radiant Tinto Fino, impeccably polished by careful maturation in oak. The precision of the maturation process, tailored to each vintage, allows the wine to reveal its true character—highlighted by a bold spicy profile reminiscent of the iconic Unico, combined with vibrant freshness and undeniable elegance. A truly brilliant wine, awarded 96/100 by Parker.

Vinification:

Harvested by hand. Aged for 5 years. In the first year, 75% of the wine is aged in French oak barrels and 25% in American oak. In the second year, the wine is aged in foudre, allowing it to develop more subtle, precise aromatic complexity and homogeneity.

Color:

Intense red with purplish highlights.

Nose:

Magnificent aromas of very ripe red fruit with a spicy undertone and a hint of balsamic.

Palate:

Full-bodied, rich, and opulent, the 2018 Valbuena reveals a commanding palate presence with fine, enveloping tannins elevated by remarkable freshness.

Temperature:

Serve between 16 and 18°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Veal sweetbreads lacquered with full-bodied jus and roasted figs, venison fillet with butternut purée, smoked pigeon and parsnip mousse.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2032

Vega Sicilia holds a unique place among the world’s greatest wines—a legend shaped by its land and its family, coveted by wine lovers across the globe.

These vineyards, nourished by the Duero River and tempered by a harsh climate, are meticulously tended to produce one of the finest wines in existence. The Álvarez family has crafted an icon that unites terroir, time, and human dedication in a pursuit of timeless excellence.

Único, Valbuena, Alión, Pintia, Macán, and Oremus form an extraordinary lineage where nothing is left to chance. Barrels are crafted on-site, ageing is exceptionally long, and entire vintages are sometimes set aside—all in the relentless pursuit of perfection.