According to Bettane and Desseauve, Bodega Aalto, located in the Ribera del Duero region, ranks among the 100 best domaines in the world. This bodega, which was established by Javier Zaccagnini and Mariano Garcia in 1998, has risen to the top of the Spanish wine tree in less than a decade. Its wines are concentrated, rich and verging on the spectacular. A must-taste!

This cuvée was created in 1999 by Mariano Garcia – former technical director at Vega Sicilia – and Javier Zaccagnini – director of the regulatory board for the Ribera del Duero appellation. This is a single variety Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) with grapes coming from mostly old vines, between 40-80 years old. Harvests are manual and grape sorting begins at the picking stage. The Aalto cuvée is produced each year and is aged for between 20-24 months. It presents a deep purple robe, as Tempranillo is picked at full maturity. Intense on the nose, it emanates dark fruit and woody notes. The palate is complex and structured, offering aromas of coffee, tobacco and liquorice while remaining well-rounded with blended tannins.