Vega Sicilia Pintia 2019

Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Vega Sicilia is one of Spain’s most famous wineries thanks to their groundbreaking work in Ribera del Duero. The owners of Vega Sicilia, the Álvarez family, purchased Bodegas Pintia in 1996 and have played a visionary role in revitalising the D.O Toro appellation. The region bears some resemblance to Ribera del Duero with hot, dry summers, although conditions can be harsher here and the terroir is characterised by well-draining pebble soils. This magnificent Spanish red is made from top quality Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) fruit from San Román de Hornija where the vines have an average age of 40 years. The grapes are harvested by hand and are chilled on arrival at the winery to preserve acidity and aromatics. Following vinification the young wine is aged in 70% French and 30% American oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. The nose opens with hints of dried violets and intense dark cherry and plum aromas which seem to burst out of the glass. On the palate there is a perfect balance between power and elegance with bold tannins and a firm structure harmoniously complemented by gentle freshness and rich crushed berry flavours. Complex and muscular, this is a great wine to cellar for another decade or so, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside hearty red meat dishes.

Price: £74.82 from 8wines UK