# Aalto (2024)

- **Producer:** Bodegas AALTO
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Castilla y León, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €42
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, vanilla, cloves, cedar, toast

## About this wine

Bodegas AALTO was established in 1999 by Mariano Garcia, former technical director at Vega Sicilia for 30 years, and Javier Zaccagnini. The estate focuses on producing high-quality wines that showcase the diverse microclimates of Ribera del Duero, sourcing old-vine Tempranillo from over 200 small plots across nine distinct municipalities.

## Interesting facts

- Co-founded by Mariano Garcia, who spent 30 years as chief winemaker at Vega Sicilia.
- Grapes are sourced from over 200 individual plots across nine municipalities in Burgos and Valladolid.
- Vineyards sit at high elevations between 700 and 850+ meters on 40 to 80 year old vines.

## Food pairing

The high tannin structure, rich body, and elevated alcohol of this Tempranillo naturally complement fatty, protein-dense meats and rich pan drippings, while its vibrant acidity balances aged cheeses and rich stews.

## Wine making process

Grapes are hand-picked into small crates and meticulously sorted before fermentation in truncated-cone stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French and American oak barrels, followed by an average aging period of 17 months in barrel prior to bottling.