FFW 2021 Wine Catalogue

SPAIN

Unlike in Bordeaux, where there are several candidates for the title of its greatest exponent. In Ribera del Duero there is only one – Vega Sicilia

MEET THE GROWER Vega-Sicilia RIBERADELDUERO Certainly, themost celebrated red in Spain, and often referred to as “Spain’s First Growth,” this estate is owned by the Alvarez family in the heart of Ribera del Duero. Founded in 1864, with cuttings of Bordeaux vines planted alongside Tempranillo, there are some seriously old vines in the vineyard. Low yields and obsessive attention to detail in both vineyard and winery, the wines glowwith pride. The flagship wine is Unico, along with Reserva Especial which, a bit like the Krug Grande Cuvée, blends vintages. Then there is Valbuena, which I love; Alion, amoremodern expression; and from their Toro vineyard comes Pintia.

—NEALMARTIN

RIBERA DEL DUERO

CLASSIC GRAPE VARIETALS Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha.

FAVOURITE PRODUCERS

Vega-Sicilia, Hacienda Monasterio, Pingus and Pesquera.

AREA UNDER VINE 22,500ha

SOIL TYPE Clay and sand.

110

WINE CATALOGUE