Vega Sicilia : Unico 2016

Tasting characteristics and advice for Vega Sicilia’s Unico 2016

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a deep purple hue, revealing remarkable finesse and a bright rim.

Nose

The bouquet reveals great aromatic complexity, with notes of black fruit, notably crushed blackberry and black cherry, complemented by subtle hints of blueberry. Aromas of freshly roasted coffee, juniper berries and blood orange mingle with fragrances of wild lavender and violets. Nuances of exotic spices and cocoa bean complete this refined aromatic expression.

Palate

The texture is supple, with smooth, velvety tannins structured in distinctive layers. The medium- to full-bodied palate shows grainy tannins alongside accents of mocha and Earl Grey. A distinctive freshness carries through the palate to a long, delicious finish with notes of tobacco, leaving an indelible impression with a persistence of around one minute.

Food and wine pairings

This exceptional wine pairs beautifully with fine red meats, feathered game and aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Unico 2016 can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2060. Decanting for one to two hours will allow its aromatic complexity to fully express itself. Ideally serve between 16 and 18°C.

A legendary Ribera del Duero wine by Vega Sicilia

The estate

Founded in 1864 by Eloy Lecanda y Chaves in Castile and León, Vega Sicilia is the absolute benchmark of Spanish winemaking excellence in the Ribera del Duero region. Owned by the Alvarez family since 1982, the estate perpetuates a unique style combining French grape varieties with local tinto fino. The iconic Unico and Valbuena cuvées embody a bold approach initiated by the introduction of Bordeaux techniques in 1904. Vega Sicilia remains the symbol of the golden legend of Spanish red wine.

The vineyard

The Ribera del Duero vineyard benefits from an outstanding terroir where tinto fino and cabernet sauvignon thrive in contrasting climatic conditions. The altitude and significant temperature swings between day and night promote optimal ripening of the grapes, making it possible to produce wines of remarkable concentration and complexity.

The vintage

The 2016 harvest took place between September 22 and October 11, enabling grapes to be picked at optimal ripeness. The climatic conditions in Castile and León encouraged the development of beautiful aromatic concentration while preserving the hallmark freshness of great age-worthy wines.

Winemaking and aging

Unico 2016 benefited from an exceptional ten-year aging period after the harvest. The wines were aged in new and used American and French oak barrels, as well as in 20,000-liter oak vats until May 2022. This period was followed by extended bottle aging prior to release, allowing the wine to develop all its complexity and harmony.

Grape varieties

96% tinto fino (tempranillo), 4% cabernet sauvignon