Ribera del Duero, 2021
The 2021 Aalto is the product of a vibrant vintage which started cold and late. Heatspikes through the summer, as is typical in the region, were broken by rains in September which gave the grapes an extra kick of energy and vitality. Full bodied with notes of violet, red fruits and blackcurrant, supported by toasty notes and rich, velvety tannins, it finishes fresh and attractive. Produced from vines averaging 40-80 years old, from villages up and down the valley. Raised in French and American oak barrels for 17 months.
critic reviews
The eponymous red 2021 Aalto has a lactic touch and is spicy, smoky and ripe, with notes of barbecued duck, soy sauce and a touch of truffle. It's heady, ripe (14.5% alcohol), has a luxurious mouthfeel and is glossy and juicy, with abundant but fine-grained tannins and low-ish acidity. For fans of the style. Quite consistent across vintages. 330,000 bottles. It was bottled in July 2023.
The 2021 Aalto is a 100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero and was aged for up to two years in French and American barrels. Garnet-red with a purple sheen. Cedar and vanilla lead the nose, followed by blackcurrant, blackberry and subtle herbal notes in the background. The palate is indulgent and creamy, with a classic 'reserva' profile but distinctively light on its feet for a Ribera del Duero wine. The 2021 Aalto is a long-lasting, juicy, subtly chalky red.