Vega Sicilia Macan Rioja DOCa

In 1848, landowner Toribio Lekanda purchased 2,000 hectares of estate from the Marquis of Valbuena. Toribio's son, Eloy Lekanda, acquires 18,000 cuttings of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Pinot Noir in Bordeaux, deciding to start producing brandy and liqueurs. For the quality of the brandy produced, Eloy Lekanda received a certificate in 1876 and became a supplier to the Royal Family. In 1880, he was awarded the Grand Cross of Isabella the Catholic, it should be noted that all this happened long before the creation of the wines that made the estate famous. In 1904, Domingo Garriola Tomin rents the estate, which at that time belonged to the Herrero family. Domingo played an important role in the history of Vega Sicilia's creation, using Bordeaux technologies in wine production. In 1915, at the winery established here, Domingo Garriola produced two great wines: Vega Sicilia and Valbuena. The first wines were given to the upper class bourgeoisie and aristocracy, but not for commercial purposes. The owners of the winery offered these wines as gifts to their best friends. Thus began the legend of the most exclusive wines in Spain, which cannot be obtained for money. In 1929, Vega Sicilia wines received recognition at the World Exhibition in Barcelona, with the 1917 and 1918 vintages being awarded. In 1982, the estate was purchased by the Álvarez family, who, alongside traditional production processes, began to apply modern technologies. The vineyards were also significantly expanded. In 1992, the family acquired the Bodegas winery in Peñafiel. In 1998, Javier Ausas, who had worked as an enologist for 6 years, joined the winery's technical management team. Javier, together with Begosa Jovellanos, strengthened the reputation and quality of the estate's wines. In 2000, the Primum Familiae Vini organization was founded, which included 11 of the most prestigious wine producers, among which was Vega Sicilia. Today, the vineyard area of Vega Sicilia is 250 hectares, where 80% Tinto Fino is grown, while the remaining part is Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The estate is located in Balbuena de Duero, in the province of Valladolid, on the banks of the river. The soils here are clay-limestone. The winery retains the appearance of an ancient mansion. Inside, there is a chapel of Santa Cecilia, created by the first owners. It is believed that the winery got its name in honor of this chapel. Vega Sicilia produces truly unique wines that preserve great Spanish traditions. They are characterized by elegance, refinement, pronounced power, and the ability to maintain their individual characteristics during long bottle aging. Vega Sicilia releases its wines only in the best years, guaranteeing the consistent quality of its products.