2012 Alion

A fine vintage from the scion of Spain's most classic wine

In the quarter century since its inception, Alion has become one of Spain's flagship wines. It was founded when Vega Sicilia, Spain's undisputed equivalent of a first growth, decided to create a new bodega to make wine in a more modern style; now Alion has stepped beyond the shadow of its illustrious founder and maintains a proud identity all its own.

True, the two bodegas have a lot in common. They sit side-by-side at Peñafiel in Ribera del Duero, and Alion took possession of a swathe of Vega's own vineyards when it was founded. But Alion is independently managed, and has trodden its own path. Unlike Vega, Alion uses 100% Tinto Fino (the local clone of Tempranillo) and eschews American oak in favour of French. The result is a wine more Bordeaux-like in style than the wines of Vega Sicilia.

Drought, February frosts and summer hailstorms punished the Duero Valley in 2012, and reduced yields at Alion as at other properties. But rains alleviated the drought in time and harvest conditions turned favourable, resulting in a small but very fine crop. /NT

Offered subject to confirmation for shipment winter 2015/16