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SKU 949254
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Aalto was established in 1999 by Mariano Garcia, winemaker for 30 years at Vega Sicilia. His philosophy was minimal intervention and maximum expression of the vineyard. For this wine, grapes are harvested from vines up to 80 years old, all organically farmed, from nine villages, low yields giving intensity and concentration. Seventeen months in French and American oak ensure a wine for the long haul. Beth Willard: Seductively fruity nose with flinty, stony character, even a touch of blood orange. Deep and concentrated with a lot of oak and acidity, but in balance. David Williams: Prominent oak, but high quality and integrated with the high-toned, ripe fruit. Savoury and engaging with satisfying richness and texture, with a long finish. Diana Rollan: Elegant and balanced with red berry notes of cranberry and raspberry, a touch of vani
There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.
Country
Spain
Ever since the Phoenicians and Romans brought their knowledge of vine cultivation to Spanish soils, the country's culture has grown alongside wine production, with wine being a vital part of Spanish identity and Spanish traditions. Each region of Spain has a wine quite distinct from the others, and it is produced by smallholders and families as much as it is by large companies and established wineries. From the relatively mild and lush regions of La Rioja to the arid plateaus that surround Madrid, grapes are grown in abundance for the now booming Spanish wine industry, and new laws and regulations have recently been put in place to keep the country's standards high. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, Spanish wineries are continuing to produce distinctive wines of great character, flavor and aroma, with the focus shifting in recent decades to quality over quantity.
Region
Castilla Y Leon
The ancient, arid and beautiful region of Castilla y Leon is the largest in Spain, and amongst the largest single 'regions' in any country of Europe. It has been famed throughout the centuries for its architecture, its people, its art and literature, and not least for its characterful and flavorful wines, which capture the beating heart and passion of Spain and Spanish culture. Castilla y Leon is essentially a vast plateau, and is extremely dry, with a poor soil structure which one might think would make viticulture difficult, if not impossible. However, Castilla y Leon has plenty of native grape varietals which are able to stretch their roots deep underground, to tap into the moisture and minerals which can be found there.
Appellation
Ribera Del Duero
DC95pts
Decanter
Aalto was established in 1999 by Mariano Garcia, winemaker for 30 years at Vega Sicilia. His philosophy was minimal intervention and maximum expression of the vineyard. For this wine, grapes are harvested from vines up to 80 years old, all organically farmed, from nine villages, low yields giving intensity and concentration. Seventeen months in French and American oak ensure a wine for the long haul. Beth Willard: Seductively fruity nose with flinty, stony character, even a touch of blood orange. Deep and concentrated with a lot of oak and acidity, but in balance. David Williams: Prominent oak, but high quality and integrated with the high-toned, ripe fruit. Savoury and engaging with satisfying richness and texture, with a long finish. Diana Rollan: Elegant and balanced with red berry notes of cranberry and raspberry, a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate. An appealing, polished style that keeps on giving: superb.
WA94pts
Wine Advocate
The eponymous red 2021 Aalto has a lactic touch and is spicy, smoky and ripe, with notes of barbecued duck, soy sauce and a touch of truffle. It's heady, ripe (14.5% alcohol), has a luxurious mouthfeel and is glossy and juicy, with abundant but fine-grained tannins and low-ish acidity. For fans of the style. Quite consistent across vintages.
VM94pts
Vinous Media
The 2021 Aalto is a 100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero and was aged for up to two years in French and American barrels. Garnet-red with a purple sheen. Cedar and vanilla lead the nose, followed by blackcurrant, blackberry and subtle herbal notes in the background. The palate is indulgent and creamy, with a classic 'reserva' profile but distinctively light on its feet for a Ribera del Duero wine. The 2021 Aalto is a long-lasting, juicy, subtly chalky red.
Winery Notes
The primary wine, known simply as Aalto Ribera del Duero, comes from vines ranging in age from 40–80 years old supplemented with younger vine fruit about 15 years old. It is aged 18 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak, with half of the barrels new.
