Passion and Excellence: AVELINO VEGAS.

Hello friends!

Another Wednesday... another moment to read a bit about the captivating world of wine. Today we are going to talk about a very special winery, one whose philosophy is to always look towards the future without forgetting the lessons from the past. Founded in 1950, Avelino Vegas Winery has become a symbol of excellence and success. To achieve that into two of the most prestigious and competitive original appellations in Spain, represents an extra layer of dedication and expertise. Happily, nowadays the winery is run by the next generation of Avelino Vegas' family so continuity is ensured. But first is first...

Avelino Vegas Winery is located in Santiuste, a Segovia village, and was created by Avelino Vegas and his wife Isabel around 1950. Despite the fact that the opening project was only for small wine quantities distribution, the volume increase during the following decade both in quantity and in quality resulted in their first Verdejo wine production in 1964. Over time the interests of the winery aimed to production of wines under D.O. and in 1982 they started distributing the first wines under D.O. Rueda and in 1983 the first under D.O. Ribera del Duero. Ten years later they created Bodega Fuentespina, in the homonymous town of Burgos, and believe it or not only two years after that they would receive the first international award in Bordeaux, nothing less than a gold medal for their Fuentespina Reserva Especial.

Their latest milestone was the foundation of Bodegas Avelino Vegas in 2009, within the D.O. Rueda, where they focus on the production of white wines. Additionally under V.T. Castilla y León appellation they have Nicte, Condado Real and Vegas 3 brands, and in D.O. Cigales they produce rosé wines with Zarzales name.

The winery controls hundred-year-old, low-yield vineyards in truly unique lands. These soils have a limestone and sandy component in the case of Ribera del Duero, which added to a special climate produce a Tempranillo of extraordinary quality. In the case of the D.O. Rueda, the sandy and stony soil is excellent for the natural water control of the vineyard. Thermal jumps of more than 20 degrees during the summer contribute to the Verdejo from Segovia having an unparalleled uniqueness. Their resolute concern on production is remarkable at harvest, carried out at night, as well as in the renewal of the huge barrel stock, that is never more than 5 years old. Within their exquisite production as far as red wine produced in Ribera del Duero is concerned, doubtlessly F de Fuentespina, Aureo and Avelino Vegas 100 Aniversario are the absolute jewels in the crown, only produced in the case of an outstanding harvest.

If you are asking yourself why are these wines so special, listen to this... Their white wines are crafted in the Rueda DO where, grown in trellises, all of the vines are harvested by night to prevent oxidation and undesired pre-fermentation. The red wines, on the other hand, are produced by the Bodega Fuentespina winery in the Ribera del Duero DO, while the rosé wines are crafted in the Cigales DO. The vinification processes of these wines are as brief as possible to preserve the natural aromas and freshness of the grapes. The philosophy of the Fuentespina winery by Avelino Vegas is to craft high quality wines with a distinctive expression of their terroir. As it has been often stated, the essence of the family lies in their passion for great wines and that reflects on each and every product they make. Since we have previously talked about the amazing Avelino Vegas 100 Aniversario here in our blog, today I will focus my recommendation on Fuentespina wines. First, the so elegant Crianza, elaborated with 100% Tempranillo grapes from 40 years old vines and aged during 12 months in new American oak barrels. A wine that pairs with stews, lamb, pork and cured cheese.

Then, the incomparable F de Fuentespina, a truly unique wine. It is made with a selection of grapes from the oldest vineyards of the Ribera del Duero and aged without hurry, in the soul of the French oak barrels of Allier and Nevers. The winery has replicated the original Burgundy bottle blown in 1959 to dress it. F is only made when the vintage is exceptional. This is a wine to taste calmly, to pair with red meat, lamb and suckling pig dishes. It goes well with cured cheeses... F shows lots of body, is powerful, very concentrated and well polished tannins. It also has a long finish.

And that's a wrap for today! Let's meet here next Wednesday and talk about wine again! Until then... Cheers!