Bodegas Alion Alion 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Ribera del Duero is a renowned wine region in northern Spain, located along the banks of the Duero River. Known for producing some of Spain’s finest wines, this region benefits from a unique terroir. The continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, plays a crucial role in the ripening of the grapes. The warm days help the Tempranillo develop concentrated aromas, while the cool nights preserve acidity, essential for the wine’s balance and longevity.

The Alión vineyard is primarily planted on limestone and clay soils, providing ideal conditions for growing Tempranillo. These soils impart minerality and elegant tannic structure to the wine. The vineyard is cultivated using traditional methods, with a careful management of yields to ensure the highest quality of the grapes. The diversity of the plots allows for the production of wines with unique aromatic complexity, showcasing both the richness of the terroir and the modern philosophy of Bodegas y Viñedos Alión.

Winemaking

The Alión 2020 is the result of meticulous winemaking, starting with a strict selection of grapes, hand-harvested to ensure only the best fruit is used. After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the fresh and fruity aromas of Tempranillo. This stainless steel fermentation process ensures a pure expression of the fruit, unmasked by excessive oak influence.

After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with a portion of the barrels being new. This choice of oak aging adds complexity without overpowering the fruit, imparting subtle notes of vanilla, sweet spices, and fine wood. The long barrel aging process softens the tannins while preserving the wine’s freshness and acidity. Before bottling, the wine is neither filtered nor fined, ensuring that its structure and aging potential remain intact. The result is a powerful yet elegant wine, with aging potential extending beyond 20 years.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple with violet hues.
• Nose: A complex bouquet with aromas of wild blackberries, blackcurrant jelly, pomegranate seeds, and delicate floral hints. Subtle notes of precious wood, balsamic, and Mediterranean herbs add to the refined profile.
• Palate: The attack is velvety, with a fluid texture and perfectly integrated tannins. Mid-palate warmth is typical of Ribera, with flavors of stone fruits, dates, and a touch of flower honey. The finish is long and balanced, with lingering notes of wild red berries and blood orange peel.

Did you know?

Alión is the only cuvée produced by Bodegas y Viñedos Alión, a winery founded in 1991 by the Vega Sicilia group to craft modern wines while staying true to the identity of Ribera del Duero. Unlike the American oak traditionally used at Vega Sicilia, Alión is aged exclusively in French oak barrels, highlighting the contemporary orientation of this wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef fillet: The richness in tannins and structure of Alión pairs perfectly with a tender, juicy beef fillet.
• Braised shank: The depth of the wine and its balsamic notes complement the intense flavors of slow-cooked, tender braised meat.
• Grilled lamb chops: The Mediterranean flavors and velvety texture of Alión elevate the smoky and herbal aromas of grilled lamb chops.
• Roasted game: The power of Tempranillo and its dark fruit and spice notes match beautifully with game dishes like venison or wild boar.

History of Alión Estate

Bodegas y Viñedos Alión was created by Vega Sicilia in 1991 with the mission of crafting a wine that reflects a modern interpretation of Ribera del Duero, setting it apart from the classic, traditional style of Vega Sicilia. Unlike its parent estate, which blends multiple grape varieties and emphasizes long aging, Alión focuses exclusively on 100% Tempranillo. The estate was established to showcase the potential of this variety through a more youthful, approachable, and modern wine style. Since its foundation, Alión has earned a reputation as one of Spain’s top wines and an ambassador for modern Spanish winemaking.

Alión is a standalone project within the Vega Sicilia portfolio, created to experiment with contemporary winemaking techniques while maintaining the highest standards of quality. The estate draws on Vega Sicilia’s expertise in vineyard management and craftsmanship, but it remains distinct in its philosophy and approach. Alión is dedicated to producing one single, outstanding wine that encapsulates the richness and elegance of the Ribera del Duero terroir.

Region and Vineyards

Alión is located in the Ribera del Duero DO, one of Spain's most celebrated wine regions, known for producing robust and long-lived red wines. The vineyards of Alión are spread across high-altitude plots, with elevations up to 900 meters, where the continental climate features hot, dry summers and cold winters. These extreme conditions help produce Tempranillo grapes with excellent concentration and structure.

The soils of Ribera del Duero, a mix of limestone, clay, and gravel, are ideal for viticulture, providing a well-drained and nutrient-rich environment for the vines. Alión’s vineyards are meticulously managed to ensure low yields, which enhances the complexity and intensity of the fruit. Sustainable viticulture practices are employed to preserve the natural balance of the terroir, further elevating the quality of the wine.

Wine Range

Alión produces only one wine - its flagship Alión, a 100% Tempranillo that is consistently praised for its depth, power, and elegance. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, the wine strikes a perfect balance between fruit concentration and oak complexity. The use of new French oak gives the wine its signature flavors of vanilla, spices, and cedar, while preserving the purity of the fruit. Alión is known for its ability to age beautifully for decades, developing additional layers of complexity over time.

Did you know?

Although Alión is a part of the Vega Sicilia family, it was conceived to be completely independent in terms of style and approach. The wine is often described as a modern take on Ribera del Duero, in contrast to Vega Sicilia's more classical expressions. Additionally, while Vega Sicilia is known for aging its wines in both French and American oak, Alión exclusively uses French oak, which gives it a more refined and contemporary profile.