Bodegas Aalto Aalto 2021

Bodegas Aalto Aalto 2021

 

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Bodegas Aalto
Aalto 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Spain
  • Region : Ribera del Duero
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Rich and Spicy
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Tempranillo

Bodegas Aalto Aalto embodies the excellence of the Ribera del Duero region, offering an elegant and complex expression of Tinto Fino, marked by ripe red fruits, licorice nuances, and spicy notes from its barrel aging.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 95 2021
WS Wine Spectator 94 2021
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 94 2021
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Bodegas Aalto Aalto comes from the prestigious Ribera del Duero region, in the provinces of Burgos and Valladolid. This region, known for its robust and elegant wines, benefits from varied soils ranging from clay-limestone to sands and gravels, contributing to the complexity of the wines produced.

The grapes for this wine come from very old vines, aged 40 to 80 years, planted in nine different villages in this region. These old vines, with their deep roots, produce grapes of great concentration and exceptional aromatic complexity. The harvest is done by hand, with meticulous care given to each bunch, transported in small 15-kilo boxes and thoroughly inspected on a sorting table.

Winemaking

This vintage is composed of 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo). After a manual harvest, the grapes are carefully sorted before vinification. The wine is then aged for 17 months in French and American oak barrels, imparting woody aromas and refined tannic structure.

This barrel aging process not only softens the tannins but also integrates the oak flavors with the fruity characteristics of Tinto Fino. The result is a balanced wine with good acidity that adds freshness and vibrancy to the palate.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: An elegant purple color in the glass.
  • Aroma: An expressive nose revealing the aromatic potential of Tinto Fino with red fruits and licorice nuances, enriched by spicy notes from barrel aging.
  • Palate: The wine offers a silky texture and good acidity, with flavors of ripe red fruits, hints of licorice, and a persistent spicy finish.

Did you know? Bodegas Aalto was founded by Mariano García, the former iconic winemaker of Vega Sicilia, and Javier Zaccagnini. Their vision was to create world-class wines using the best viticultural practices and modern techniques while respecting local traditions.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Ribeye Steak: The richness and tannic structure of the wine perfectly complement the juicy texture and meaty flavors of ribeye steak.
  • Herb-Infused Lamb Stew: The spicy and fruity notes of the wine harmonize with the complex and herbaceous flavors of the stew.
  • Seafood Paella: The good acidity and spicy nuances of the wine balance the rich and savory flavors of the paella.
  • Aged Manchego Cheese: The robust and fruity character of the wine contrasts nicely with the firm texture and tangy flavors of Manchego.

History of Aalto

The Aalto project began with the vision of Mariano García and Javier Zaccagnini, two of Spain’s most influential figures in the wine industry. García, with over 30 years of experience as the head winemaker at the iconic Vega Sicilia, brought his unparalleled expertise in crafting world-class wines. Zaccagnini, a former director of the Ribera del Duero Regulatory Council, added his deep knowledge of the region and its regulatory framework. Together, they sought to redefine Ribera del Duero wines by creating a blend of distinct terroirs and focusing on crafting wines of profound complexity and elegance.

In 2006, the addition of the Masaveu and Nozaleda families, who own notable wineries in other parts of Spain, added financial stability and further expertise to the project. Their involvement allowed Aalto to expand its facilities and increase production without compromising quality. The winery’s dedication to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, such as being named one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World by Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve, and consistently receiving high scores from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator. Aalto has firmly established itself as one of the benchmarks for Spanish red wines.

Region and Vineyards

Located in the prestigious Ribera del Duero region, Aalto benefits from a unique combination of climate, soil, and elevation that are essential to its wine’s character. The region is known for its continental climate, characterized by extreme seasonal temperature fluctuations, including hot, dry summers and very cold winters. These conditions, coupled with the significant diurnal temperature variation, ensure the grapes retain their acidity and develop concentrated flavors.

Aalto’s vineyards are spread across seven villages: Quintanilla de Arriba, La Horra, Moradillo de Roa, Sotillo de la Ribera, Roa, Gumiel de Mercado, and Fuentemolinos. This diversity provides a variety of soils, from limestone-rich to clay-heavy terrains, and elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 meters above sea level. Such variation contributes to the wines' complexity, as each site brings unique characteristics to the final blends.

The vines, aged between 40 and 100 years, are predominantly Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), the flagship grape of Ribera del Duero. These old vines yield naturally low quantities of fruit, which is prized for its intensity and depth. Aalto’s meticulous approach to vineyard management ensures sustainability and quality, with practices aimed at preserving the character of each parcel.

Wine Range of Aalto

Aalto produces two highly regarded wines:

  • Aalto: This wine is a quintessential expression of Ribera del Duero’s terroir, combining structure, depth, and elegance. It undergoes meticulous aging, often in a mix of new and used French oak barrels for over 16 months, showcasing notes of dark fruit, spice, and a velvety texture.
  • Aalto PS (Pagos Seleccionados): Made only in exceptional vintages, this wine represents the pinnacle of Aalto’s production. It is crafted from the winery’s oldest and most outstanding vineyards, aged for 20+ months in new French oak, resulting in a wine of remarkable intensity, complexity, and longevity.

Did you know?

The winery’s name, Aalto, is a tribute to the iconic Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, whose philosophy of blending innovation with natural harmony mirrors the winery’s approach to winemaking. Additionally, Aalto’s PS 2012 received global acclaim, ranking 6th in Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines​​.

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2021)
The 2021 PS has a similar profile as the regular Aalto but with a little bit more of everything, more ripeness—playing dangerously with overripeness—and alcohol (15%), more concentration and power and also more oak that reveals itself in the shape or aromas of fried corn. It's powerful and tannic, in need of years in bottle and/or powerful food. This is very good in its style, impeccably crafted and aged in the best barrels money can buy.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 94 Points (2021)
A graceful, enticing red, with appealing hints of violet, eucalyptus, tea rose and tar wafting through the flavors of ripe black currant and mulberry fruit, melted licorice and mocha. Long, focused and harmonious, with deft integration of the sinewy tannins and refreshing acidity, this glides across the palate and echoes on the spiced finish. Drink now through 2036. 31,200 cases made, 1,450 cases imported.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 94 Points (2021)
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.

Bodegas Aalto Aalto PS 2020
Bodegas Aalto Aalto PS 2020
Bodegas Aalto
Aalto PS 2020
RP
95
JS
96
Aalto PS 2020 is a bold and sophisticated red wine from Ribera del Duero, offering intense black fruit flavors, silky tannins, and layered complexity that reflect the best of old-vine Tempranillo and meticulous craftsmanship.
149,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
55,00 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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