Vega Sicilia Alion 2022, Ribera Del Duero DOC

Description

Vega Sicilia Alion 2022 is a powerful, fruit-driven Spanish red wine from the Ribera del Duero wine-growing region that captures the region’s diverse terroirs while offering greater accessibility than the iconic Vega Sicilia Unico. Sourced from the main estate plus selected vineyards in Padilla de Duero and Pesquera de Duero, this 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) delivers ripe black fruits (blackberry, dark cherry), floral depth, and a firm yet polished structure with impressive balance.

Vega Sicilia Alion 2022 Winemaking

• 100% Tinto Fino
• Grapes are hand-harvested into 12kg boxes and taken immediately to the winery for sorting
• Fermentation takes place in wooden tanks under controlled temperatures, continuing until a strong polyphenolic structure is achieved, delivering the wine’s characteristic generous colour and firm structure
• Aged for 12 months in oak barrels, 70% of which are new, predominantly French oak, with 10% American oak (down from typical levels)
• Following bottling, the wine was rested for 18 months before release
• Production totals 270,870 bottles, 7,040 magnums, 616 double magnums, 83 imperials and 6 salmanazars

The 2022 Vintage

One of the warmest and driest seasons in recent years. A frost-free, warm spring was followed by intense summer heatwaves that required careful canopy management. Cooler nights in late August provided welcome relief, slowing ripening and preserving balance. Harvest began in early September, yielding concentrated, powerful grapes that showcase the vintage’s intensity while retaining surprising freshness.

Alion Vineyards, Ribera del Duero

Vega Sicilia Alión 2022 embodies the remarkable diversity of Ribera del Duero, a true mosaic of personalities. Grapes are harvested from select vineyards stretching from the eastern Soria border to the western Vega Sicilia estate itself.

The grapes are sourced predominantly from Moradillo, with vital contributions from Padilla de Duero (winery location), Pesquera de Duero, Peñaranda, Villálvaro, and the Vega Sicilia estate, drawn from three carefully selected blocks totalling around 130 hectares (70ha at the estate, 30ha in Padilla, and 30ha in Pesquera). Following Vega Sicilia’s precise viticultural standards, these diverse, complementary soil types ensure qualitative richness and complexity within the 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) variety.

Vega Sicilia: A Spanish Wine Icon

Vega Sicilia can trace its origins back to 1864, when it was established by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who planted various grape varieties from the Bordeaux wine region of France, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The estate has been owned by the Álvarez family since 1982.

Ribera del Duero DO, Since 1982

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.