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Vega Sicilia Winery Guide
EXPLORE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED SPANISH WINERIES
Last updated: November 22, 2023
Winery Overview
Discover the extraordinary allure of Vega Sicilia, the iconic estate nestled in the heart of Ribera del Duero. Renowned wine expert Serena Sutcliffe, Master of Wine, describes Vega Sicilia’s flagship wine, Unico, as the stuff legends are made of. With a rich history spanning over a century and a half, Vega Sicilia has been shaped by five passionate owners who have left an indelible mark on its destiny.
In 1864, Don Eloy de Lecanda embarked on a winemaking journey inspired by Bordeaux on the Pago de la Vega Santa Cecilia y Carrascal estate. However, he soon discovered that Ribera del Duero’s native grape, Tinto Fino (also known as Tempranillo), thrived exceptionally in its terroir. The combination of schistous base soil covered by a chalky subsoil and the region’s elevated altitude ranging from 600 to 700 meters above sea level creates the ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The cool nights following hot days and an extended ripening season bestow upon the wines a remarkable quality that sets them apart. The Herrero family took over the reins in 1900, guiding the winery through half a century of success, followed by the company Prodes SA from 1950 to 1964.
However, it was during the ownership of Hans Newmann from 1964 to 1982 that Vega Sicilia experienced a glorious period, producing a dazzling array of exquisite wines. Notably, 1982 was a momentous year for Vega Sicilia and Ribera del Duero, as the Alvarez family acquired the estate, coinciding with Ribera del Duero being granted Denominación de Origen status, solidifying its prestige.
Today, under the stewardship of the Alvarez family, Bodegas Vega Sicilia proudly oversees approximately 1,000 hectares of land, with 250 hectares dedicated to meticulously maintained vineyards. The remarkable Unico and Valbuena 5 Año wines, the epitome of Vega Sicilia’s craftsmanship, are painstakingly crafted from carefully selected grapes of the highest quality, sourced from decades-old vines. The Valbuena vines have an average age of around 25 years, while the vines used for Unico have gracefully matured for an impressive 45 years.
Wines produced
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Valbuena 5 Reserva
80% Tinto Fino, 10% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 27-29 months in oak. -
Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva
80% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 66-68 months in oak.
Winery Contact Details
Vega Sicilia
Ctra n-122, KM 32347359 Valbuena de Duero
Valladolid
Email: [email protected]
Tel + 34 983 680 147
Fax +34 983 680 263 Find out more
Facts & Figures
Appellation
Ribera del Duero
Founded
1864
Area under Vine
250 hectares
Age of vines
35 year old vines
Oak barrel origin
65% American, 35% French
Winemaker
Xavier Ausás
Owner
Alvarez family
Production
200,000 liters
Grape varietals
Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec
Grape Varieties Used by the Winery
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
Find out more -
Malbec
Delve into Malbec, a dark, small grape native to France, cherished for its thick skin and exceptional flavors. 🍇🍷
Find out more -
Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
Find out more -
Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)
Discover Tempranillo: Spain's iconic red grape. From Ribera del Duero to Toro, it yields concentrated wines. Explore its synonyms and unleash its prowess.
Find out more
Winery Appellations
Author
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More information
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