Vega Sicilia Pintia 2018, Toro DO

Description

Vega Sicilia Pintia 2018 presented in 75cl bottles. 

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. 

Vega Sicilia also own 96 hectares of vineyards in the Toro DO where Pintia is made. Pintia lies on the banks of the Douro river, within the Toro D.O. region. The extremely cold winters and hot summers influence its complex soils, which are mainly known for their significant pebble content. This means that finding the perfect harvest period is key to ensure the wine conserves both its fresh aromas and acidity. The grape variety planted here is Tinta de Toro, with an average age of 35 years.

The Vintage

The 2018 vintage saw more rainfall usual, particularly during spring, thus avoiding periods of water stress experienced in the vineyards in previous years. May saw a late mild frost and July was unusual (rainy, milder
temperatures than expected). Good weather and even warmth as ripening ended produced perfectly healthy grapes. The harvest started somewhat later due to the weather conditions.

As is the case of all  Vega Sicilia wines, the harvest is by hand with the fruit being placed in 12-kg boxes and grapes, once in the winery, they are left in a cold chamber for 12 hours in order to preserve their fruit intensity. Along with the selection on the vine, a double sorting is carried out in the winery. This first removes those bunches that may have been wrongly picked in the field and the second focuses on the substandard berries that are found on optimum bunches. A cold maceration is carried out for 5 days prior to fermentation in oak wood vats.

100% Tinta de Toro a.k.a. Tempranillo.

Vega Sicilia Pintia 2018 is the fruitiest and most vertical Pintia to date, but also has a lot of complexity. A wine with a very silky texture that can be enjoyed now, or aged in bottle.