ALION Tempos Vega Sicilia - Ribera del Duero 2022 MAGNUM (150cl)

Description

Alión holds a distinct place within the Vega Sicilia family, representing a modern, uncompromising expression of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) since its inaugural 1991 vintage. This wine embodies the diversity of Ribera del Duero, a mosaic of personalities harvested from select vineyards stretching from the eastern border in Soria to the western end at the Vega Sicilia estate. As noted by Tim Atkin MW, while in Ribera del Duero there is a trend towards village and parcel-specific wines, some of the best Ribera del Dueros are blends across regions. Alión is very much a pan-Ribera red, sourced predominantly from Moradillo, with other vital components from Padilla, Pesquera, Peñaranda, Villálvaro, and the Vega Sicilia estate itself.

Alión 2022 underwent a carefully controlled maturation process designed to tame a vintage marked by natural power and sunshine. The winery noted that the obsession was to “capture freshness…taking a cautious approach with oak”. Winemaker Gonzalo
Iturriaga used only 70% new oak (down from typical levels) because of the concentration of the vintage. The ageing lasted for 12 months across a combination of vessels, strategically relying on larger formats such as foudres and incorporating concrete to modulate the oak influence and enhance the structure. Following this, the wine rested for a further 18 months in bottle before release.

The result is an Alión 2022 that is appealingly refined and floral. Tim Atkin describes a wine full of “subtle aromatic spices, bramble and summer berry flavours and a focused finish.” The palate is generous yet perfectly poised, defined by its fine-grained tannins and a bright, focused acidity that provides lift and length to the dark fruit core.