Vega Sicilia: A Legacy of Excellence in Spanish Winemaking
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Vega sicilia unico
The history of Vega Sicilia dates back to 1864, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Spanish winemaking. Widely regarded as the greatest wine producer in Spain, the estate in Ribera del Duero is renowned for its dense, complex red wines primarily made from Tempranillo grapes. Its flagship wine, Unico, stands as one of Spain's most luxurious and sought-after wines, embodying the pinnacle of the estate's winemaking excellence.
When Vega Sicilia became part of the Álvarez family's life in 1982, it began a new era for the estate. Since then, the estate has grown steadily, introducing wines from various winemaking areas, reaching new consumers worldwide, and setting the stage for a promising future. The Álvarez family's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their work, from updating facilities to expanding their vineyards and maintaining the highest quality standards. Under Pablo Álvarez's leadership, Vega Sicilia's pursuit of perfection has become legendary. Although Pablo acknowledges that perfection may be unattainable, his relentless drive to reach it is unwavering. His deep passion for Tempranillo, which he considers "the finest and most elegant variety," is evident in every bottle. This dedication extends to understanding each plot on the Vega Sicilia estate and investing in other Spanish wine regions like Toro and Rioja.
A few months ago, I had the incredible opportunity to have lunch with Pablo Álvarez in New York. We tasted eight exceptional wines, each paired with meticulously selected dishes highlighting the estate's versatility and commitment to quality. Unico, known for its extraordinary aging potential, stands as one of the most iconic and distinctive wines globally. As Pablo Álvarez explained, "The wines are not what they used to be 50 years ago; the style has changed towards fresher wines that spend less time in oak and longer time in bottle, but they still retain their distinctive character." Wines from the Vega Sicilia estate that do not reach the iconic status of Unico are used to produce Valbuena 5º, which has become a star in its own right. While Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are still part of Vega Sicilia's history and make up a small portion of the blends in Unico and Valbuena 5, it is Pablo's passion for Tempranillo that truly drives him. He considers Tempranillo "the finest and most elegant variety," and believes that when it reaches ideal maturation in the bottle, it becomes "the best variety in the world."
In addition to their renowned red wines, Vega Sicilia also produces two dry Furmint with their Oremus winery: Mandolás and Petracs. Known for its clear, pure, and fresh profile, the wines are concentrated with delightful scents of lemon and pineapple. Their distinct characters and pronounced flavors make them a standout choice for those seeking a unique white wine experience. They also create a late-harvest sweet wine and varying levels of the famous Tokaji aszú sweet wines.
Vega Sicilia's legacy is built on a foundation of tradition, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. As the estate continues to evolve under the guidance of the Álvarez family, it remains a beacon of excellence in the world of winemaking. Whether through its iconic Unico or the rising star Valbuena 5º, each bottle of Vega Sicilia wine tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and a deep respect for the art of winemaking. For wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, experiencing the wines of Vega Sicilia is nothing short of a journey through the rich history and vibrant future of Spanish viticulture.
Lineup:
Fresh Oysters with Mandolas 2021 & Petracs 2020
Potted Beef & Bacon with Macan Clasico 2020 & Macan 2019
Steak with Valbuena 2019 & Unico 2014
Pineapple Financier with Late Harvest 2022 & Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2017