Viniou Reviews
Vega Sicilia’s Valbuena 5º 2019 is a superbly crafted red wine hailing from the storied Ribera del Duero DO in Castille and León, Spain. This cuvée is predominantly composed of Tinto Fino (the local name for Tempranillo), with proportions of Merlot and sometimes a touch of Malbec, expressing a deeply harmonious blend. The 2019 vintage benefited from an optimal growing season with favourable weather, allowing the fruit to ripen fully whilst retaining freshness. The winemaking process at Vega Sicilia is meticulous: grapes are hand-harvested from select plots, fermented in temperature-controlled tanks, and matured in a combination of French and American oak barrels, followed by further ageing in bottle before release. This gives the wine its signature complexity—fragrant notes of ripe black fruit, hints of violet, cedar, sweet spice, and a supple tannic structure balanced by vibrant acidity.
Ribera del Duero’s reputation for serious, age-worthy reds is a testament to its continental climate—hot, dry summers and cold winters—which naturally concentrate flavours in the grapes while preserving freshness. The region’s soils are a mosaic of limestone, clay, and sand, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the robust structure and finesse found in the wines. Historically, Vega Sicilia is an icon, with over 150 years of winemaking, representing both tradition and innovation at the heart of Spanish viticulture.
Such a multi-layered and elegant wine pairs beautifully with savoury, rich dishes. Consider lamb roasted with rosemary and garlic, slow-cooked suckling pig, or a classic Spanish dish like lechazo (roast milk-fed lamb). Braised beef cheeks, wild mushroom risotto, or hard aged cheeses like Manchego or Zamorano also make excellent companions, allowing the wine’s complexity to shine while accentuating its umami and earthy notes.
For optimal appreciation, serve Valbuena 5º 2019 at 16-18°C. Decanting for at least an hour is highly recommended to allow the wine’s subtle aromatics and structure to develop in the glass, revealing the full depth and elegance for which Vega Sicilia is justly renowned.
