
2021 Alión (Vega Sicilia) Ribera del Duero
96
Wine Advocate
Review Date: 06/2025The vintage released in 2025 is the 2021 Alión, a year to remember, one of the best in recent times. 2021 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 and 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, from a total of 130 hectares. The grapes were cooled down for 24 hours, and once destemmed, they were put in the oak and stainless steel vats, where they underwent a five-day cold soak and then native fermentation through a "pied de cuve." The wine 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 year, and it's a little austere, with very elegant and polished tannins and a different quality, when the grapes ripen slowly. (LG)
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Notes
Founded in 1986, Alión is owned by the renowned Vega Sicilia estate but operates independently. This 85-hectare property was established by the Álvarez family—who also own Bodegas Pintia in Toro—with the aim of crafting a modern expression of Ribera del Duero. Half of the grapes are soruced from Vega Sicilia’s vineyards, while the other half are sourced from Alión’s own plots near Peñafiel. In contrast to Vega Sicilia’s blend of tradition and innovation, Alión is produced using cutting-edge winemaking technology at its own dedicated winery, under the direction of Javier Ausás, Vega Sicilia’s head winemaker. Alión is a thoroughly modern wine: 100% Tempranillo, aged for 14 months in new French oak barrels. It is dense and rich, yet—true to the Vega Sicilia ethos—never excessive. The result is a wine that balances power with elegance and finesse, reflecting the hallmark style of the Vega Sicilia family.
Product Details
Origin: Ribera del Duero, Spain
Type/Varietal: Tempranillo
SKU: #1951044

