Winery: Bodegas y Viñedos Alion                                     

Region: Peñafiel - DO Ribera del Dueo

Vintage: 2022                                                                                   

Bottle: 75 cl                                                    

Grape Varieties: 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)

Type: Red Wine Reserva

Alcohol Volume: 14.5% vol.

Serving Temperature: 16° - 18°

Alion is part of the Vega Sicilia Group, Spain’s famous family of great wines, a project of the Alvarez family under the Ribera del Duero denomination of origin.

The winery was set up in 1992 to create an alternative to the iconic Vega Sicilia wines. It is located just 15 kilometres from the mother winery, by the course of the Duero and in the vicinity of the town of Peñafiel, Ribera's wine capital per excellence.

Although it was initially expected to be the "junior partner" of the great mythical wine, more accessible and less expensive, a new role was applied to it so that it would shine in its own light and demonstrate the virtues of the terroir from which it comes. The idea was successfully accomplished as it quickly built up an excellent reputation, positioning itself as a faithful representative of the best wines produced in Ribera del Duero, and, actually, the wine is nearly as highly appreciated and sought-after as those of Vega Sicilia.

Production:

Alion is a single varietal Tinto Fino. The grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand from plots located in the best areas of the Ribera del Duero DO, from its 70 hectares under vine, which are spread through Padilla del Duero, Valbuena de Duero and Pesquera de Duero. The average age of the vines is 40 years old, growing at 750 metres above sea level.

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled wooden vats. It is aged for 12 to 14 months in new French oak bordeaux barrels and also in cement. Afterwards, it will rest for a further 15 months in the bottle.

Bottled in May 2022

Tasting Notes:

Intense cherry red colour. Excellent complexity on the nose, aromas of ripe red fruits, liquorice and light menthol. Full-bodied, wonderfully balanced, elegant and meaty on the palate. Concentrated black cherry fruit, silky, smooth, with hints of spice and fine mineral notes. The length is exceptional in this fine, elegant wine.

Notes: It is recommended to decant before serving. Can be enjoyed now or cellared; it ought to mature beautifully.