Vega Sicilia Unico 2016.

Unico 2016 marks a defining moment for Vega Sicilia - the first full vintage crafted under the direction of Gonzalo Iturriaga de Juan as Technical Director.

The arrival of Gonzalo Iturriaga de Juan to Vega Sicilia in 2016 marked a subtle but important evolution in the estate’s approach, with a clear focus on precision, vineyard expression and balance. The 2016 has already been recognised as an outstanding release, receiving 98 points in Tim Atkin MW’s Ribera del Duero Report (2025). Its stature reflects both the quality of the year and the direction set under new technical leadership, establishing it as an instant classic within the recent history of the estate.

Unico sits at the top of the Vega Sicilia range and is produced only from the estate’s most revered plots. It follows one of the longest ageing regimes of any Spanish wine, progressing through a sequence of oak barrels, large wooden vats and extended bottle ageing before release. During its first year, the wine is assessed for structure and firmness to determine whether it will continue as Unico or be directed towards Valbuena. Wines that remain in the Unico line move through several years of slow maturation in large wooden vats. A small proportion of wine from other harvests may be used to fine-tune balance, but the identity of the principal vintage remains central. This measured approach, shaped by time and careful selection, defines the character of Unico and underpins the longevity for which it is known.

Unico 2016 is a fragrant, understated and elegant expression of its vintage. The nose reveals a complex character that blossoms in the glass, gradually unfolding its subtleties.

The Vintage: 2016 began with light frosts and a mild winter. A cool spring delayed budbreak. Intense August heat slowed vine growth until cooler nights arrived. Harvest ran from 22nd September to 11th October.