After thirty years and countless harvests, winemaker Mariano García decided to change course and start his own project in DO Ribera del Duero. That was in 1998. Today, two decades later, Bodegas Aalto is a true benchmark and one of the great ambassadors of Spanish wine. One of its classics, which never goes out of fashion and which everyone should taste at least once, is the legendary Aalto. Tempranillo – also known as Tinto Fino – is the soul of this red, born from old vines and made with the most advanced equipment and technology. In total the winery has around 13 hectares spread over more than 200 plots in nine different villages. Only in this way, with a touch of each place, can it reflect the true identity of this appellation in the north-centre of the Iberian Peninsula. Each plot lies at its own altitude with its own particular climate, which makes achieving even ripening across all the bunches quite an adventure. It calls for close observation and control, where the winemaker’s judgement and respectful practices without herbicides or fertilisers are essential. Aalto is harvested by hand into 15-kilo crates that are carefully selected. Yields per vine are low because of the age of the vines, but the quality is excellent. After sorting on the selection table, the bunches go into fermentation tanks, where yeasts turn sugar into alcohol. After running off and pressing, Aalto moves into oak barriques, where it rests for more than a year. Beyond any brand, Aalto embodies the passion and experience of Mariano García. A must for anyone seeking the exceptional in every glass.
