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Rioja may be better known, but Ribera del Duero produces equally magnificent, fragrant, barrel aged reds and has gained a great reputation. Vega Real epitomises Ribera’s classic style with its elegant, deep fruit, superb complexity and length.
Rioja may be better known, but Ribera del Duero produces equally magnificent, fragrant, barrel aged reds and has gained a great reputation. Vega Real epitomises Ribera’s classic style with its elegant, deep fruit, superb complexity and length.
Tasting notes
Silky red fruits, blackberry, light spice, freshness
Aroma
Bright fruit – redcurrants, cherry, blackcurrant – a hint of spice
More information
Ribera del Duero in northwest Spain is renowned for wines with “the structure, the cleanness, and ‘cut’ of a massive Bordeaux” (Hugh Johnson). The region’s most famous estate is Vega Sicilia, the top wines of which sell for around £250 a bottle. Vega Real is far more than just an echo of that quality and comes at a snip of that price. It was made by the Barbadillo family, Spanish wine and sherry producers for 200 years. Pure Tinto del Pais – a grape known elsewhere in Spain as Tempranillo – this fresh young red was aged for three months in both French and American oak barrels to lend a layer of light spice to the blackberry and cherry fruit notes. Decant 30 minutes before serving with spring lamb, duck or veggie kebabs with spiced couscous.