Sourced from a careful selection of plots across the appellation, and keeping with the vine management criteria that emanate from Vega Sicilia, Alion represents Ribera del Duero’s authentic expression of Tempranillo. Fermented in wooden tanks and aged between 12 and 14 months in new French oak barrels, the wine spend an additional 15 months in bottle before release. The result is an intense, complex and fleshy wine, where the elegance is a distinguishing feature and hallmark of the winery.
Producer description:
Founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves who planted the first Bordeaux grapes on the land, Vega Sicilia is Spain’s most prestigious wine estate. Since 1982, the winery has been in the hands of the Alvarez family who played a major role in building Ribera del Duero’s reputation. They own 210ha of vines, some of which are over hundred years old, which thrives on a unique terroir. Their meticulous care in both vineyards and cellar gave birth to Unico, their flagship, which is known as Spain's “first growth”.
Style:
Still Red
Vintage:
2021
Dryness:
Dry
Size:
75cl
Delivery:
2025 May
Available:
3
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Critic Scores
Robert Parker | 96
The vintage released in 2025 is the 2021 Alión, a year to remember, one of the best in recent times; it was relaxed and textbook in all senses, with snow in the beginning of the year, a mild spring disturbed only by frost in Pesquera that didn't affect other villages, a relatively cool summer that slowed things down, and the grapes ripened to perfection without rain after September. They used grapes from 13 different villages throughout the Ribera del Duero, 130 hectares. The grapes are cooled down for 24 hours, and once destemmed, they are put in the oak and stainless steel vats, where they undergo a five-day cold soak and then native fermentation through a "pied de cuve." It has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.81 and 4.8 grams of acidity (tartaric). It's very fresh and fruit-driven, with the balance and elegance of the cooler years, a little austere, with very elegant and polished tannins and a different quality, when the grapes ripen slowly. They believe 2024 has the potential to be like 2021, after the 2022 and 2023 vintages were a lot more challenging. This is a large production of 244,244 bottles, 7,075 magnums and some larger formats. It was bottled in June 2023.
James Suckling | 95
A pretty deep but fresh and harmonious wine that can be consumed early. It’s from a blend of Ribera del Duero vineyards. Fascinating aromas of fine spices, dark chocolate, dark cherries, blackberries and cedar wood. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, chalky tannins and a lasting finish. Impeccable balance. A textbook Ribera del Duero that gives a panoramic view of the region. Drink from 2025.
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