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

This global icon draws its greatness from its extraordinary terroir and the visionary family behind it, making it one of the most sought-after names among wine lovers worldwide.

Set along the banks of the Duero, in a landscape shaped by an austere climate and expert hands, Vega Sicilia stands as one of the crown jewels of world viticulture. Under the stewardship of the Alvarez family, it has become an eternal symbol of the harmony between land, time, and human craftsmanship.

Among the finest wines on the planet, nothing at Vega Sicilia is left to chance. The estate crafts its own barrels using proprietary methods, and the wines undergo exceptionally long aging processes. For some cuvées, it can take up to 10 years before they are released—a testament to the estate’s dedication to excellence.