Bodegas Vega Sicilia, 'Valbuena' 2018
Variety: Tempranillo & Merlot
Every region in Spain produces wine, with Rioja being the most famous. However, Ribera del Duero first gained fame for this grape variety, thanks to Vega Sicilia's recognition at the 1929 World Fair in Barcelona for their 1917 and 1918 vintages. Initially, Tempranillo was a "country wine" and was blended with Bordeaux varietals. After the Alvarez family bought Vega Sicilia in 1982, the winery modernized and gained international acclaim. Vega Sicilia produces few wines, typically released only after years, making them increasingly rare.
The 2018 Valbuena, from a cooler vintage, was made with 96% Tempranillo and 4% Merlot, undergoing cold soak & fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Aged in new and used 225-liter oak barrels & 21,000-liter oak vats, it has a ripe, mellow mouthfeel with pronounced spiciness, reminiscent of their renowned Único bottling.
DETAILS:
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Wine Type
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ProducerVega Sicilia
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Variety
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Body Weight
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Price
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Country
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Region
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AppellationRibera del Duero
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Farming