Aalto DO Ribera del Duero 0.75L

Tinto Fino at the highest level: The Aalto DO comes from old vines that are deeply rooted in the barren soils of the Ribera del Duero and give the wine a concentration and seriousness that one immediately feels in the glass.

Bodegas Aalto was founded in 1999 by Mariano García — the long-time cellar master of Vega Sicilia — and has since been considered one of the defining addresses of the region. The grapes come predominantly from 40 to 80-year-old vines, whose low yields explain the intensity of the wine. Ribera del Duero is located at an altitude of around 850 meters, with hot days and cool nights — a climate that enables ripeness and freshness at the same time.

In the glass, it shows a dense ruby red. On the nose, blackberry, black cherry, and a hint of cedar wood and graphite. On the palate, structured tannins, a lively acidity, and a long, spicy finish with notes of dark chocolate and licorice.

Serve it at 16–18 °C — best with leg of lamb with herbs, Ibérico pork, or a ripe Manchego. This wine also cuts a strong figure with a simple plate of jamón and good bread.