Vega Sicilia - Ribera Del Duero - Valbuena - Red - 2019

Wine:

A true synthesis of the estate’s purest expression, the 2019 Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5 Año Red showcases spectacular balance and remarkable finesse. Born at 800 meters of altitude in a dry vintage, this is a fascinating wine—elegant, delicate, and profoundly deep. A quintessential Vega Sicilia, it was matured for five years in barrel and bottle, spending extended time in both barriques and large casks, where the oak aging gently developed the wine’s complexity without dominating its character. In this warm vintage, avoiding overripeness while preserving freshness was essential. The winemaking was gentler, with lighter oak influence—less American oak and larger barrels—to allow the wine to fully reveal its true identity. The result is a Valbuena marked by vibrant freshness, refined tannins, and subtle, spicy aromas reminiscent of the estate’s iconic Unico. Rated 95/100 by Parker.

Vinification:

Hand harvested. Aged for 5 years. The first year, 75% is aged in French oak barrels and 25% in American oak barrels; then, during the second year, it is aged in large oak casks, allowing it to develop a more subtle and precise aromatic complexity and consistency.

Color:

Intense red with purple highlights.

Nose:

A freshness emerges in the aromas of fresh, juicy red and black fruits, underscored by a hint of spice.

Palate:

Elegant complexity on this balanced structure and silky texture, all achieved through perfect mastery of the aging process.

Temperature:

Serve at 14–16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Glazed veal sweetbreads with a full-bodied jus and roasted figs, venison fillet with roasted beetroot, smoked pigeon, and parsnip mousse.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2033

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.