The 2019 vintage of Aalto Ribera del Duero will be released in July 2021, with PS following in late summer or early autumn. As a vintage, 2019 was unique in Spain, with wild temperature swings throughout the growing season marked by record temperatures at the end of June. We can personally attest to this because we were visiting Madrid and Catalunya at this time. Daytime temperatures left us scampering for cover, while due to the dry conditions, dining out late at night was quite refreshing. Below are the vintage notes sent to us by Aalto:
Mariano García Fernández
The farming year began with a mild autumn and little precipitation followed by an arid and cold winter with -9ºC before warming in spring with above-average temperatures.
Precipitation in 2018-2019 versus the average
Spring and summer were characterized by little rain, only some showers in July and late August, which prevented hydric stress in the vines. The vegetative cycle developed with large variations due to temperatures, alternating between abnormally hot and atypically low temperatures in June. More balanced weather returned in July and August, with the grapes ripening under good conditions. Harvest started on September 24th.
2019 Aalto Ribera del Duero
Deep purple red color. Notes of red fruit together with subtle aromas of spices coming from the elevage in oak. AALTO 2019 is a very fresh and elegant wine. On the palate, its broadness, structure, and persistence are remarkable.
100% Tempranillo (40-80-year-old vines) from nine different villages in Ribera del Duero, 18 months in French & American oak barrels, 15% alc./vol.
2019 Aalto Ribera del Duero PS
Purple-red color. On the nose, we perceive good dark fruit intensity and elegant spicy nuances. On the palate, it is fresh and dense with enveloping tannins. AALTO PS 2019 is a long, intense, and complex wine that will benefit from a time in the bottle.
100% Tempranillo (60-90-year-old vines) from the villages of La Horra and La Aguilera, 21 months in new French oak barrels, 15% alc./vol.