Vega Sicilia: new releases from Spain’s finest producer

Bodegas Vega Sicilia is the producer of Spain’s finest – and most famous – wines. The new vintages of the estate’s top wines have just been released, and they are very good indeed.

The historic estate of Vega Sicilia dates back to 1864. Since 1982, it has been run by the Alvarez family, who have been exacting in their search for ever higher quality. The vineyard is mainly planted with old vine Tempranillo with a little Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot mixed in. The terroir is highly diverse, with 19 different soil types, and because of this, the vineyard is divided into 64 different plots. These are all vinified separately. Maturation is a detailed process, with barrels tailor-made by the in-house cooper.

The flagship wine here is of course Unico – the unofficial first growth of Spain. It comes from the best hillside terroirs, is aged first in barriques then in large oak, and is notably long-lived. The new release is the 2015: a year of ripeness and concentration. It is blend of 94% Tinto Fino and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, matured for ten years in barrel and bottle.

Reserva Especial pays homage to the Spanish tradition of blending and is made from several of the very best Unico vintages to give a highly complex wine. The new release comprises the 2011, 2012 and 2013 vintages and is a blend of 96% Tinto Fino and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Both Unico and Reserva Especial are highly sought after, and for good reason. They are outstanding wines and they age beautifully.

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