Ratings
TA 96 · JS 94-95
Identity
| Producer | Bodegas Vega Sicilia |
| Year | 2020 |
| Vol | 0.75 |
| Classification | Considered one of the best Spanish wines, emblematic of Ribera del Duero |
| Grapes | 96% Tempranillo, 4% Merlot |
| Color | Red |
| Sweetness | Dry |
Tasting
| Color Desc | Deep ruby red |
| Aroma | Blackberry, red cherry, bramble fruit, floral notes, cedar, minerals, cocoa powder, sandalwood, spices, violet, lard |
| Palate | Medium to full-bodied, elegant tannins, balanced acidity, refined and polished tannins, long finish, structured with fine-grained tannins, silky texture |
| Finish | Long, tapering, refined finish with persistent tannins |
| Food Pairing | Roast lamb, grilled beef, game birds, aged Manchego cheese, mushroom risotto |
| Serving Temp | 16 |
| Aging Potential | 20 years |
Profile
Acidity (1-5)
AVERAGE
Body (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Aroma (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Astringency (1-5)
AVERAGE
Minerality (1-5)
LOWER THAN AVERAGE
Enology
| ABV % | 14.0 |
| Total Acidity | 4.65 |
| Sugar (g/l) | 0.00 |
| pH | 3.9 |
| Aging Process | 5 years in oak and bottle |
| Fermentation | Fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperature control |
Terroir
| Altitude (m) | Vineyards located in Valbuena del Duero, Valladolid, Spain, altitude not specified |
| Soil | Soils made up of various types on gentle concave slopes descending from wasteland |
| Vine Age | 10 |
| Harvest Type | manual |
| Harvest Desc | Grapes are hand-picked from selected plots on gentle slopes |
Interesting facts
| Named Valbuena 5º for its five years of aging; considered the purest expression of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) at Vega Sicilia; Pablo Álvarez's personal favorite; produced in limited quantities (~176,000 bottles for 2021 vintage) |
Logistics
| Weight | Standard 750ml bottle weight not specified |
| Cork | natural cork |