The Spanish first growth strikes again

Unico, Valbuena, plus the young pretender Pintia

Graft, care, precision, and attention to detail at levels most wineries can only dream of; not for nothing has Vega Sicilia represented the pinnacle of Spanish winemaking for over a century.

The flagship wine is the Unico, traditionally served at the dinner tables of the Spanish royal family. Winemaker Javier Ausas has decided to release the 2007 Unico earlier than the 2005. Although the 2007 is still very young, he feels it will offer a better early drinking experience than the 2005, which is to slumber longer. With 95% Tinto Fino (the local clone of Tempranillo) and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is a Spanish wine that offers a nod to its original Bordeaux inspiration.

The bodega dislikes Valbuena being described as a 'second wine'; not only is it produced from different plots to the Unico, it is a world-class wine in its own right. What's more, 2010 offered a 'near perfect' vintage and is 'possibly the best Valbuena ever'. Like the Unico it is mainly Tinto Fino, but this time with a touch of Merlot.

Pintia is a newer project. Vega Sicilia has gone west into the region of Toro and tamed the Tinta de Toro, the local clone of Tempranillo that has taken on such a distinctive character that some authorities deny it is Tempranillo at all. In Pintia, Vega Sicilia brings their trademark elegance to a classically powerful Toro wine. /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold for shipment spring 2015

To place an order, click on the wine name below, reply to this email, or call 020 7638 5998