Aalto Rood

AALTO Ribera del Duero 2023

AALTO Ribera del Duero 2023 is the core wine of Bodegas AALTO , made from old Tinto Fino vines spread across nine villages in the Ribera del Duero region . What makes AALTO 2023 such a special Ribera del Duero? The combination of extremely old vineyards, a dry and hot year with plenty of tension building in the grapes, and the hand of iconic winemaker Mariano García results in a red wine with great concentration, but also striking freshness and a long, silky finish.

Vineyards and region

The grapes for AALTO 2023 come from Spain, from Castilla y León , in the DO Ribera del Duero, from old plots in nine villages in the provinces of Burgos and Valladolid. These are Tinto Fino vines, approximately 40 to 80 years old, often planted as bushes, with low yields and intense, small berries. The soils vary from calcareous clay and iron-rich clay to sand, sandstone, alluvial deposits, and stone terraces, allowing AALTO to draw on a wide variety of terroirs that combine to create depth and complexity. The 2023 growing season saw a mild but dry spring, several frosts in May, followed by storms, and then a hot, dry summer with heatwaves. Harvest began in early September amid changeable, sometimes wet weather, but with perfectly ripe grapes and a vintage rated "very good" by the DO Council.

Vinification and maturation

The grapes are harvested entirely by hand in small 15kg crates and then selected bunch by bunch on the sorting table. Each plot is vinified separately, preserving the specific expression of each village and soil type before the final blend is created. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with sufficient skin contact to extract color, structure, and aromatic intensity from the Tinto Fino. AALTO 2023 is then aged for an average of 17 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels , combining new and used wood to enhance both its power and elegance. The result is a powerful wine with 14.5% alcohol, yet thanks to the careful harvest and the altitude of the vineyards, the acidity remains vibrant and the mouthfeel remarkably fresh and balanced.

Grape composition

Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) – old vineyards in 9 villages
AALTO 2023 is 100% Tinto Fino, the local Tempranillo clone in Ribera del Duero, sourced from very old vines aged between 40 and 80 years; these yield concentrated red and dark fruit, firm yet ripe tannins, and a deep, layered structure with excellent aging potential.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

In the glass, AALTO 2023 displays a deep cherry red color. The aroma is intense and refined, with ripe red and dark fruits surrounded by spicy notes and subtle woody accents. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and powerful, yet fresh, with a core of concentrated fruit, silky yet present tannins, and a long, elegant finish that beautifully balances fruit, spices, and a hint of toast. Serve AALTO 2023 at 16-18°C (60-64°F) and decant young bottles for 1-2 hours to allow the bouquet to fully unfold. At the table, it pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meat dishes, oven-baked rack of lamb, slow-braised beef cheek, game dishes, or mature hard cheeses, where its power and refinement remain beautifully balanced.

Awards

• 2023 – 94 p (Tim Atkin, for the 2023 AALTO volume)