Vega Sicilia, Unico 2012
Product Information
Country Spain
Region Ribera del Duero
Grape Variety 95% Tempranillo, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage 2012
ABV 14.5%
Vega Sicilia Unico 2012 is the pinnacle of Spanish winemaking, an opulent expression of heritage, terroir, and time. Cultivated on 40 meticulously selected hectares of the prestigious Vega Sicilia estate, this exceptional vintage is born from a mosaic of 64 vineyard plots, each with its own microclimate and soil composition. The estate spans 210 hectares of vine-planted land, enriched by the unique influence of the Douro River and over 150 years of viticultural mastery.
Aged for over ten years, one of the longest maturation periods in the world, Unico is cradled in a combination of French and American oak barrels as well as 22,000-litre wooden vats. This slow, artisanal ageing process results in a wine of unparalleled complexity, elegance, and longevity. With time, it gains profound texture, depth, and a symphony of nuanced character, becoming not just a wine, but a timeless work of art.
The 2012 vintage reveals a concentrated, silky, and impeccably structured profile. Its vibrant juiciness and refined tannins make it both compelling for immediate indulgence and poised for extraordinary evolution in the cellar.
Vintage Overview – 2012:
A mild, rainy spring gave way to a hot, dry summer, with optimal conditions that encouraged balanced ripening. The absence of spring frosts allowed for a healthy growing cycle, while late-September rainfall ensured the grapes reached peak maturity. The result: intensely coloured, healthy berries with perfectly ripe tannins, a hallmark of a superior vintage.
Storage, Serving & Ageing Potential:
• Drinking Window: Now through 2060+
• Optimal Cellaring Conditions: 12–14 ºC with 60% relative humidity
• Serving Temperature: 18 ºC
This is a vintage to treasure, ideal for collectors, connoisseurs, and those seeking a remarkable experience of fine aged Spanish red wine.
The History of Bodegas Vega-Sicilia – Legendary Ribera del Duero Wine Estate
Discover the rich history of Bodegas Vega-Sicilia, Spain’s most prestigious and iconic Ribera del Duero winery. Founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, a visionary who brought Bordeaux grape cuttings such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec to Spain, Vega Sicilia expertly combines these with the native Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grape. Nestled in the unique terroir of Ribera del Duero’s arid soils, this estate pioneered premium Spanish winemaking.
Under the ownership of Antonio Herrero from 1903, Vega Sicilia gained international acclaim, winning numerous awards. Since 1982, the Álvarez family has continued this legacy with meticulous vineyard management, focusing on low yields, green harvesting, and precise grape selection. The winery’s innovative ageing process, using a variety of French and American oak barrels, ensures complex, balanced wines that maintain vibrant fruit flavours without excessive oak influence.
Vega Sicilia’s renowned wine portfolio includes its flagship Único, a multi-vintage blend carefully aged for up to 10 years, the exquisite Único Reserva Especial, and the accessible Valbuena 5°, a five-year-aged Tinto Fino expression. These wines showcase the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, solidifying Vega Sicilia as a cornerstone of Ribera del Duero’s status as one of Spain’s top wine regions.
Additionally, Vega Sicilia oversees Bodegas Alion, Bodegas Pintia, Macán, and the Hungarian Tokaji estate Oremus, expanding its influence across Spain and beyond. Experience the legacy and excellence of Bodegas Vega-Sicilia, a symbol of Spanish fine wine craftsmanship.
