2022 Aalto

The 2022 Aalto is a powerful yet finely polished red from Ribera del Duero, showcasing why this estate has become one of Spain’s modern icons. Crafted from old-vine Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), it marries depth and structure with a sleek, contemporary sense of refinement. Since its founding, Aalto has stood out for bringing grand-cru precision to Ribera del Duero, and the 2022 release continues that trajectory in a generous, approachable vintage.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Aalto is deep, opaque ruby with a vibrant purple rim, hinting at its youthful intensity. The nose is expressive and layered, offering dark cherries, ripe blackberries and plums, wrapped in notes of cocoa, sweet spice, vanilla bean, licorice and a touch of graphite and toasted oak. Subtle hints of dried herbs and violets add complexity as it opens. On the palate, this is full-bodied and concentrated yet remarkably balanced, with plush, ripe tannins and a core of dark fruit that feels both juicy and refined. Flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry and blueberry compote mingle with mocha, clove, cedar and a mineral edge typical of Ribera del Duero. The finish is long, structured and slightly savory, suggesting excellent cellaring potential. While already enjoyable in its youth with a short decant, this vintage should evolve gracefully for 10–15 years, gaining more tertiary notes of leather, tobacco and dried flowers over time.

Production
Aalto sources its fruit from carefully selected old vineyards across prime villages in Ribera del Duero, many with vines between 40 and 80 years old planted on a mosaic of clay, limestone and sandy soils at high altitude. These conditions promote low yields, thick-skinned grapes and naturally concentrated flavors. The grapes are hand-harvested in small boxes, with meticulous sorting in the cellar to ensure only perfectly ripe clusters are used. Fermentation typically occurs in stainless steel with precise temperature control to preserve aromatics and fruit purity, followed by aging in a high proportion of new French and American oak barrels for around 16–18 months. The result is a wine that combines the power and density of old-vine Ribera with a polished, modern texture and well-integrated oak.

Food & Serving
The 2022 Aalto is a natural partner for rich, savory dishes: think charcoal-grilled ribeye, roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, ibérico pork, or slow-braised short ribs. It also pairs beautifully with aged Manchego, hard sheep’s cheeses, truffle dishes and hearty stews. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to allow the aromatics and texture to fully express themselves. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth is recommended to soften the tannins and let the layered aromas unfold; as it ages, a shorter decant will be sufficient to remove any sediment and awaken the wine.

Producer
Founded in 1999 by Mariano García, the legendary former winemaker of Vega Sicilia, and Javier Zaccagnini, Aalto rapidly established itself as one of Ribera del Duero’s benchmark estates. From the outset, the vision was clear: to craft a world-class expression of Tinto Fino from some of the region’s finest, oldest vineyards, using meticulous viticulture and precision winemaking. Based in Quintanilla de Arriba, Aalto has become a reference point for a modern yet terroir-driven style of Ribera del Duero, consistently earning high critical acclaim and a loyal following among collectors. Its focus on old vines, rigorous selection and sophisticated oak work has helped redefine the region’s global reputation, placing Aalto among Spain’s most sought-after red wines.