Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5° 2018, Ribera Del Duero DOC

Description

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5°2018 is the purest expression of the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) produced by this iconic Ribera del Duero wine estate, located in in the Province of Valladolid, Castile and León (northern Spain). Tinto Fino compromised the main component of the blend, the other is Merlot. The proportion varies from vintage to vintage. Valbuena 5º 2017 is a more mature, juicy, and voluptuous expression, with the focus always on harmony.

Vega Sicilia can trace its origins back to 1864 when was established by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who planted various grapes varieties from the Bordeaux wine region of France, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The estate has been owned since 1982 by the Álvarez family. 1982 was the year that Ribera del Duero was granted Denominación de Origen (DO) status and it is the Alvarez family who have turned Vega Sicilia into one of the world’s iconic wines. The estate comprises 1000 hectares with some 210 under vine. There are 19 soil types divided into 55 plots with very specific characteristics. The influence of the River Duero’s flow and the passage of time have been vital in developing these soils.

The Tempranillo grapes for the Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5° are sourced from vineyards situated on soils composed of material that was eroded and accumulated as colluvial on the lower slopes, developing a high profile soil, with a specific important evolution with the formation of a deep calcic horizon. The grapes are fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel  using native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in stainless steel. The wine is then age for 5 years, hence the name Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5°, in new and used French and American 225 litre barrels and 20,000 litre wooden vats.

The Vintage

The previous cycle ended with lower-than-average minimum temperatures and widespread frosts from early November. Winter temperatures were lower than normal, but they were above average in early April, leading to normal budbreak in the second fortnight of the month. Summer temperatures were normal and combined with the abundant water reserves in the soil and good luminosity, the vineyard developed excellently, with a faster growing cycle. Stormy periods with abundant precipitation during early September led to a delay in harvesting.

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5°2018 is a vertical, bright, crystalline expression, full of nuances, with an unctuous and seductive texture.