Wines Ribera del Duero Bodegas Alión

Bodegas Alión from Ribera del Duero is a particularly celebrated red wine that truly encapsulates the personality of this renowned Spanish appellation. While this entry is non-vintage, the estate is famed for bottling wines that predominantly showcase the pure expression of Tempranillo, locally known as Tinto Fino. The grapes are sourced from meticulously maintained vineyards, often aged between ten and thirty years, planted on well-drained, gravelly and sandy soils with a core of clay and limestone. The vinification process at Alión mirrors a Bordeaux-inspired modernity, with careful fermentation in stainless steel before a generous period of ageing in new French oak barrels for around 12 to 14 months. This results in a wine that balances concentration and elegance, offering deep aromas of ripe black fruit, subtle spices, and hints of cocoa and tobacco.

The Ribera del Duero region is situated on the northern Spanish plateau, where the River Duero traverses limestone or alluvial soils under a harsh, continental climate. Hot summers and cold winters with significant diurnal temperature variation help to develop grape complexity while maintaining acidity and structure. Viticulture here has ancient roots, but it is in recent decades that Ribera del Duero has risen to international acclaim, rivalling even Rioja for prestige, largely because of top producers like Alión and its parent estate, Vega Sicilia.

Such a rich, structured red wine pairs exceptionally well with the robust flavours of Castilian cuisine. Traditional lamb dishes such as "lechazo asado" (roast suckling lamb) are classic matches, as are aged sheep's milk cheeses like Manchego or Zamorano. The wine's freshness and tannic backbone also lend themselves to grilled steak, game casseroles, or hearty stews with beans and chorizo.

For optimal enjoyment, decant Bodegas Alión ideally one to two hours before serving to allow its bouquet to open fully. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to best appreciate its aromatic complexity and supple tannins, ensuring the wine's balance and finish are revealed in each glass.