2022 Alión (Vega Sicilia) Ribera del Duero

The Alión vintage released in 2026 is the 2022 Alión, a year they consider a challenge, a warm and dry year when ripeness didn't follow the usual pattern: late vineyards ripened earlier and early vineyards took longer this year. Their obsession was to keep the freshness in the wine, and they did a softer vinification and a more careful use of oak, using larger volumes and other materials like concrete to tame a powerful and solar vintage. The nose is serious and even has some austerity. The wine is obviously juicier and rounder, with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.89 and 4.58 grams of acidity, but has very good overall balance. The tannins are round, polished and slightly dustier than other vintages, the wine has a tender mouthfeel. (LG)