Vega Sicilia, Spain's premier and most prestigious wine estate, is situated in Ribera del Duero. Founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who brought cuttings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec from Bordeaux, the estate combined these with Spain's signature grape, Tinto Fino (also known as Tempranillo), in the arid soils of Ribera. The winery began building its formidable reputation in 1903 under Antonio Herrero's ownership, garnering numerous awards both domestically and internationally. The estate changed hands several times before being acquired by the current owners, the Álvarez family, in 1982. Vega Sicilia's success is rooted in its meticulous approach. In the vineyard, they employ low yields, green harvesting, and careful selection during harvest. In the winery, wines are aged in a variety of containers, including French and American oak, both new and old, as well as small barrels and large vats, to enhance complexity.
