Tempos Vega Sicilia new releases

The legendary Vega Sicilia estate in Valbuena de Duero (Valladolid) has just released new vintages from the various wineries that make up the Tempos Vega Sicilia group. After tasting the 2025 releases presented to the press in the summer of 2024, we wrote extensively about the changes being implemented to produce finer, more age-worthy wines.

This year, Gonzalo Iturriaga, the group's technical director, expanded on that conversation by introducing a new perspective. "The main problems now are ripeness and a lack of freshness," he said. Iturriaga also mentioned that the group has ruled out the use of optical sorting machines as they prioritise visually 'perfect' grapes and tend to discard those that are lighter in colour and less ripe -fruit that, paradoxically, can be essential to preserving freshness in the finished wine.

At a time when natural concentration is increasing as a result of drought and high summer temperatures, yields are also under review to avoid stripping the wines of their juiciness. "There are powerful vintages, such as 2022, where extreme care is required. We  would rather under-extract than over-extract," explained Iturriaga.

Only two wines from the 2022 vintage have been released so far: Macán Clásico from Rioja and Alión from Ribera del Duero. The group continues to benefit from the excellent 2021 vintage with Macán, Rioja's flagship red, as well as Pintia from Toro and Valbuena. In addition, the parent winery has  presented a new edition of Único Reserva Especial and the 2016 vintage of Único.

Below are our impressions of these latest vintages.

Rioja

Considering the learning curve involved in establishing a presence in a new region, this is the estate that has shown the most progress in recent years. Iturriaga is visibly enthusiastic about the 2021 vintage: “This is the first time I have felt truly proud of Macán,” he remarked.

Macán Clásico 2022 Red. A considerable shift was already apparent in this wine with the 2021 vintage, helped in no small part by the excellence of the year itself. However, changes in harvest timing and winemaking practices were already underway. Since 2020, Tempranillo has been co-fermented with around 3% Garnacha, and part of the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks to avoid contact with oak.

Retaining the fruit-driven profile of 2021, Macán Clásico 2022 showcases the vibrant character of wines from the Sonsierra area, with a more pronounced black fruit profile reflecting the warmer conditions of the year. Medium-bodied, with notes of liquorice and a mid-length finish, it is simply impeccable. The 2021 vintage, currently at its peak, is also worth seeking out. Price: €45 Score: 92.

Macán 2021 Red. In this case, co-fermentation includes Graciano . As this wine is intended for ageing, the grapes are sourced from elevated vineyards and sites capable of delivering greater concentration, including renowned sites in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, such as La Canoca and El Bardallo. After the individual plots aged in barrels are blended, the wine rests in two large wooden vats prior to bottling.

The result is a complex, expressive red that fully reflects the freshness and liveliness of the 2021 vintage. Red and black fruit mingle with fresh herbal notes and hints of firewood. Elegantly ripe tannins and a firm yet enveloping texture led to a persistent finish with notes of liquorice. It is superbly balanced and persistent. Price: €80. Score: 94–95.

Toro

Toro enthusiasts should not miss the 2021 vintage, one of the freshest the region has seen in recent years. Rainfall in early and mid-September helped extend the ripening season. Botrytis only appeared towards the end of the month, following further rain, but according to Iturriaga, all grapes harvested before this point were in excellent condition.

Pintia 2021 Red. Arguably the most characterful red among the 2026 releases, aside from the two Únicos with extended ageing, this vintage allows the Tinta de Toro grape to shine. Opulent blueberry fruit and floral notes define the aromatic profile. Although it is still young, its velvety tannins make it approachable now, while also ensuring great ageing potential. Price: €80. Score: 95.

Ribera del Duero

The 2022 vintage proved challenging in Ribera del Duero. Early-ripening areas were harvested later as high summer temperatures and heatwaves temporarily halted ripening, while later-ripening areas were picked earlier because the vines did not pause their cycle. By contrast, 2021 was considerably cooler than both 2022 and 2020, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in balanced, well-structured wines. The 2016 vintage was marked by high yields, producing wines with good structure but also very good balance and freshness.

Alión 2022 Red. To temper the warmth of the year, extraction was kept moderate and oak influence reduced through the use of concrete tanks and foudres, alongside French oak barrels. The wine opens with ripe notes of strawberries, blackberries and cherry liqueur before revealing a red fruit core in the glass. Its restrained structure lends greater refinement than the nose initially suggests, with elegant tannins that make it surprisingly approachable. In fact, it may be enjoyed sooner than the 2021 —one of the finest Alión wines in recent years. Price: €99. Score: 94.

Valbuena 5º 2021 Red. Another compelling expression of the outstanding 2021 vintage, though the wine still feels very young. Blackberry and blueberry fruit dominate, supported by spices and floral notes. As it breathes in the glass, it evolves towards earthy nuances that add character. There is impressive balance here, and the best is likely still to come; allow this Valbuena three to five years in bottle for full expression. Price: €185. Score: 95.

Vega Sicilia Único 2016 Red. With 4% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, this Único is  subtle and refined, shaped both by the character of the vintage and the complexity imparted by extended ageing. Finely spiced and intriguing, the nose is particularly evocative and fragrant, with dried herbs and the austere signature often associated to many Vega Sicilia wines. Juicy, balanced and richly layered, it already delivers immense pleasure. It will be fascinating to follow the evolution of these more subtle vintages over time. Price: around €445. Score: 96-97.

Vega Sicilia Único Reserva Especial Red. The 2026 release is a blend of the 2011, 2012 and 2014 vintages. While 2011 and 2012 were also part of the 2025 release, the cold, rainy 2013 has been replaced by the superb 2014 vintage, which now makes the largest contribution to this cuvée. 2011 was exceptional; 2012 while solid, didn't quite reach the same level.

A wine which has inspired a renewed interest in vintage blends, this remains Vega Sicilia's most expensive offering. Prices in Spain have exceeded €600, yet it stands a benchmark style worth trying at least once in a lifetime. I was struck by its aromatic intensity, depth, and silky texture. Nothing interrupts its seamless progression across the palate, which is further enlivened by fresh tones. It is almost perfect in this regard. Notes of vanilla, faded flowers and strawberry liqueur come and go —nuances and textures that only time can create. Score: 98.

The future of Vega Sicilia is white

Those eager to try the first release from Bodegas y Viñedos Deiva, the new venture of Tempos Vega Sicilia in Rías Baixas, will need to wait until 2027. What we do know is that it will be a 2024 Albariño, made from grapes grown in Condado do Tea, where the winery is located, and Salnés. It will be aged in a combination of stainless steel, oak, and concrete vessels.