Viniou Reviews
Vega Sicilia Pintia 2020 is a remarkable red wine hailing from the historic Toro DO within the Castille and León region of Spain. This cuvée is crafted primarily from Tinta de Toro, the local name for Tempranillo, renowned for its thick-skinned berries and robust character. The 2020 vintage benefited from a relatively mild growing season with well-timed rainfall, resulting in ripe, concentrated grapes. After a careful hand-harvest and rigorous grape selection, the wine was vinified in modern facilities, typically seeing a period of fermentation followed by an extended maturation in mostly French oak barrels. The final wine exudes deep, inky colour and layers of dark fruit, toasted spices, and a hint of mineral earthiness.
The Toro region, in the province of Zamora, is famous for its extreme continental climate. The vineyards lie on sandy-stone soils that are poor but well-draining, often at an altitude of 600 to 750 metres. Hot, dry summers and chilly winters encourage both power and acidity in the grapes, yielding structured, age-worthy wines. Toro’s history with wine goes back to pre-Roman times, with a reputation for intensity and longevity that inspired even Vega Sicilia—a legendary estate more famous for its Ribera del Duero wines—to invest in showcasing this unique terroir.
A wine of Pintia’s depth will shine alongside equally rich dishes. For a regional pairing, consider grilled “lechazo” (milk-fed lamb), a ribeye steak with roasted vegetables, or slowly braised oxtail. The wine’s firm tannins and generous fruit also marry beautifully with manchego cheese, hearty morcilla preparations, or wild mushroom dishes.
For the best tasting experience, decant Vega Sicilia Pintia 2020 at least one hour prior to serving. Pour at a temperature of 16-18°C. This allows the wine’s bouquet to fully express its layers and its structure to soften, offering a harmonious and memorable glass every time.
