Wines Ribera del Duero Bodegas Alión - Alión - 2021

Bodegas Alión 2021 is a remarkable red wine from the prestigious Ribera del Duero DO, in Spain's Castille and León region. Produced exclusively from the noble Tempranillo grape, locally known as Tinto Fino, this cuvée showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of Bodegas Alión, a project established by the legendary Vega Sicilia family. The 2021 vintage benefitted from a relatively balanced growing season, allowing for slow, optimal ripening of the grapes. After careful harvesting, the wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel and then aged in new French oak barrels for around 12 to 14 months, imparting depth, structure, and refined aromatics. The result is a deep, garnet-hued wine brimming with notes of black cherry, ripe plum, cocoa, sweet spices, and a touch of smokiness and graphite. The palate is opulent yet precise, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a lingering, elegant finish.

Ribera del Duero, nestled along the Duero river, boasts a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and significant diurnal temperature shifts, which contribute to the powerful concentration and freshness of its wines. The region’s high-altitude vineyards, often situated between 700 and 900 metres, are set on rocky, well-drained soils rich in limestone and clay. This terroir gives rise to wines of both power and finesse, and its viticultural history dates back to Roman times, with a more recent renaissance positioning Ribera del Duero as one of Spain's flagship appellations for fine red wines.

Pair Bodegas Alión 2021 with hearty, flavourful dishes such as rack of lamb with rosemary, slow-cooked oxtail, or grilled beef steaks. For a local touch, enjoy it alongside traditional Castilian fare like lechazo asado (roast suckling lamb) or morcilla (blood sausage) with roasted peppers. Mature Manchego cheese also makes a beautiful pairing, complementing the wine’s depth and nuance.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine an hour before serving to allow its aromas to blossom. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, which will best showcase its expressive bouquet and refined structure. This wine promises to evolve beautifully over the next decade, rewarding careful cellaring.