Vega Sicilia is a legendary estate recognized worldwide – and for good reason: this old property, dating from 1864, produces several high quality wines, including the renowned “Unico” which is subjected to an extremely long ageing process (up to 8 years before bottling), what delights the most demanding palates around the world. Founded in 1864 by Eloy Lecanda, the property bought its first vines in Bordeaux. The estate produced the first vintage of Vega Sicilia Valbuena and Vega Sicilia Unico in 1914 or 1915 under the leadership of Txomin Garramiola. In 1956, Jesus Anadon’s arrival as director and oenologist marks an important milestone. He established the Ribera del Duero AOC. He remained at the helm of the estate for many years. In 1982, David Alvarez purchased Vega Sicilia and the Alvarez family has owned the property since that time. The vineyard was expanded and the grape and wine production techniques were modernized. Following Jesus Anadon’s departure, Pablo Alvarez was nominated director and Mariano Garcia was appointed oenologist (he was Jesus’ assistant since 1968). Javier Aussas arrived onboard in 1998. In 1992, Vega Sicilia bought an estate at 10km away, near Valladolid. The property was founded two years earlier (Bodegas Liceo). This marked the creation of Alion (the name of a town in the Leon area, were David Alvarez was born). In 1993, Vega Sicilia took another important step by creating an estate in Hungary (Tokaj Oremus), which was followed by the foundation of another estate along the Duero River in 1997 (Bodegas and Vinedos Pintia in the Toro appellation). Pintia is the name of a town next to Alion. The soil is ploughed and worked according to the principles of reasoned culture on all properties. No herbicides or inorganic fertilizers are used. Sulfur and copper are used sparingly.