Alión Magnum 2022

Alión is one of the most sought-after wines of D.O. Ribera del Duero, a varietal Tinto Fino, the local Tempranillo, made within the Tempos Vega Sicilia group. The fruit grows just fifteen kilometres from the Vega Sicilia vineyards, on plots averaging thirty years of age. Ribera del Duero lies on the high Castilian plateau, where the wide gap between hot days and cold nights ripens the grapes fully while holding on to acidity and colour, the source of the wine's combination of power and freshness. Grapes are picked by hand into twelve-kilo boxes and taken straight to the selection table. The must ferments in wooden tanks at controlled temperature, then the wine ages for fourteen months in French oak, followed by a long spell in bottle. French oak adds finer, savoury spice than American, and the extended élevage builds structure and integrates the tannins. The colour is deep, profound ruby. The nose is floral over ripe blackberry and cherry, with vanilla, oak spice and chocolate. The palate is full bodied, powerful and elegant, with firm, polished tannins and a long finish. The magnum format ages slowly and gracefully. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting well ahead. It suits roast lamb and aged beef.