Bodegas Aalto 2021
Aalto
Founded by the legendary Mariano García after his decades at Vega Sicilia, Aalto represents Ribera del Duero at its most concentrated and serious. The 2021 vintage delivers the density and structure the label is known for, with enough freshness to drink now or cellar confidently for a decade.
Nose
Concentrated blackcurrant and dark cherry lead, with violet florals and a cedar spice note behind them. A toasted oak character adds warmth without heaviness. There's an underlying mineral quality that anchors the fruit.
Palate
Full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and serious structure. Blackcurrant and cherry continue from the nose, joined by mint and a touch of vanilla from the barrel aging. The texture is dense but polished, with acidity that keeps the fruit focused.
Finish
Long and persistent with cedar, blackcurrant, and a lingering violet floral note. Firm tannins promise further development.
- Varietal
- Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)
- Blend
- 100% Tinto Fino
- Vineyards
- Multiple old-vine plots across Ribera del Duero, 40–100+ year old vines at elevations of 700–900 meters
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Organic / Biodynamic
- No
Food Pairing
Thick-cut lamb loin chops grilled over charcoal with fresh rosemary, served alongside roasted root vegetables and a red pepper romesco — the lamb's char and fat match the wine's tannic structure while rosemary echoes its herbal notes.
Co-founded in 1999 by Mariano García — former winemaker at Vega Sicilia for 30 years — and Javier Zaccagnini, Aalto sources old-vine Tinto Fino from across Ribera del Duero's highest-elevation vineyards.
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