Tempos Vega Sicilia is a Spanish winery situated in the Ribera del Duero Denominación de Origen within the Province of Valladolid, Castile and León (northern Spain). Established in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, it began with the planting of various grapes sourced from the Bordeaux wine region of France, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which remain integral to their wines today. Since 1982, coinciding with the Ribera del Duero being granted Denominación de Origen (DO) status, the Álvarez family, esteemed members of the Primum Familiae Vini, have owned Tempos Vega Sicilia. When comparing Spanish wines to Bordeaux's esteemed First Growth wines, wine connoisseur Hugh Johnson likened Vega Sicilia to Latour. However, he noted it's akin to a Latour vintage that has ripened the grapes extensively and put the picking crews under significant heat—a nod to the notably warmer climate and unique growing conditions in the Ribera del Duero. Tempos Vega Sicilia's wines enjoy global acclaim as some of the most exceptional and highly prized red wines available. Their premier wine typically sells for an average price of $497 per bottle, establishing a reputation for excellence and value in the market.

Vega Sicilia, established by Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, a Spanish winemaker trained in Bordeaux, gained prominence in the 20th century as one of Spain's premier wines. Over its history, notable winemakers like Mariano García contributed to its legacy. The origin of the name 'Vega Sicilia' remains uncertain but holds no connection to Sicilian wines, referencing the greenery along the Duero riverbank and Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. The vineyards initially planted with Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, unique for Ribera del Duero, still encompass nearly 40% of Vega Sicilia's estate, focusing on old vines with low yields, some over a century old. Known for its patience in winemaking, Vega Sicilia ages its wines for extended periods, releasing them when they reach desired styles. The estate produces three main wines:
1. Unico: A Gran Reserva released about a decade after vintage, primarily Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon, though not produced in poor vintages.
2. Valbuena 5°: Aged for five years prior to release, predominantly Tempranillo with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. 3. Vega Sicilia Unico Reserva Especial: A non-vintage blend aged for at least 10 years, combining grapes from different Unico vintages.

Previously, Valbuena 3° was produced until 1998, and Alión and Pintía wineries were established by the Alvarez family in the vicinity to create modern-style Tinto Fino red wines aged in new French oak barrels.

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Inserted: 27-12-2023 20:12:33