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.
