Vega Sicilia Unico 2009 Red Blend

Of the nearly 1,000 hectares that make up the Vega Sicilia estate, 210 are dedicated to vine cultivation, where 19 types of soils coexist, divided into 57 lots with very specific characteristics. The extraordinary formation of these soils has been vital, influenced by the course of the Duero River and the passage of time.

Forty of these hectares are used to produce Unico, whose aging, with a minimum of 10 years between wood and bottle, is one of the longest in the world. French and American oak, new and used 225-liter barrels, and 20,000-liter tinos. A long and complex process for a magical wine.

A generous and powerful vintage for a wine that is ample, deep, and succulent.

Facts about the wine
Winery: Vega Sicilia
Region: Spain / Castilla y León / Ribera del Duero
Wine style: Spanish Ribera Del Duero Red
Alcohol level: 14%
Variety: 94% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon
Average age of the vineyard: 35 years
Vineyard surface: 210 ha (Vega Sicilia Estate)
Planting density: 2,222 plants/ha
Altitude: 700 - 900 m
Yield: 3,600 kg/ha - 25.2 Hl/ha
Harvest: Manual picking in 12 kg boxes from September 23rd to October 3rd
Allergens: Contains sulfites
Bottle closure: Cork

2009 VINEYARD CYCLE
The winter was especially cold, with almost daily frosts, reaching temperatures as low as -14 °C / 57 °F. The last frost was recorded on April 23rd, but the vines did not sprout until a week later. During spring, there were marked temperature differences, reaching nearly 20 °C / 68 °F, which resulted in slower vegetative growth than normal. This, combined with a very dry winter and spring, provided us with an exceptionally healthy year regarding fungi.

During the first part of summer, due to high daytime temperatures and low nighttime temperatures, the growing cycle gradually recovered until reaching veraison around August 13th, similar to other average years. During ripening, there were also significant temperature fluctuations, which benefited good accumulation of aromas and color in the berries.

Harvest began on September 23rd and finished on October 3rd, highlighting the excellent health and complete ripeness of the entire harvest.

STORAGE AND PREFERRED CONSUMPTION
This wine is suitable for drinking now but has a potential aging capacity of 40-60 years if stored in optimal conditions: 12-14 °C / 54-57 °F and 60% relative humidity. It is recommended to consume at 18 °C / 64 °F.

PRODUCTION: 74,274 Bordeaux bottles, 3,390 Magnum, 209 Double Magnum, and 22 Imperial.
BOTTLING DATE: June 2015.
A Tempus Vega Sicilia Wine

Red Wine | 14% ABV | 750mL | Spain