Thursday, February 5, 2009

Alion 2004 Ribera Del Duero

Rasmus Amdi Larsen is a 21 year old sommelier. He is currently working as head-sommelier and Restaurant Manager at the restaurant Le Sommelier in the centre of Copenhagen. Administrating the 1600 bottle wine list, one of the largest in Denmark, this young sommelier is showing a lot of potential. Rasmus is also educating at the Hospitality College in Copenhagen, competing in sommelier competitions - and in the limited free time, golfing is a huge interest. To get in touch with Rasmus email him at amdi@gastrodenmark.com


Winery: Alion


Vintage: 2004


Appellation: Ribera Del Duero


Varietal: Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)


Oak: 15 months in oak (100% new)


Average Price: $80.00


Tasting notes: This is a untraditional Tinto Fino. The pale almost tawny color is not normal for a Tempranillo this young. The nose is covered with red fruits and floral hints. Strawberry, redcurrant and light red cherries. The nose develops as the hours in the glass go by, so the list is very long. The palate is fruity and has a extraordinary depth. This is one red to decant when the snacks is served - and to enjoy when Dean Martin is playing and your love one is around you.


Food Pairing Suggestions: Let’s grill a chop of lamb! Let’s serve lamb shoulder with courgettes, white beans and truffle sauce. Fried Foie gras (Yes, try something else than Pinot Noir) with beetroot, mandarin and port sauce.


Winery Notes: Maybe some of you guessed that this is a very special Tempranillo. Alion is owned by the winery Vega Secilia – which needs no further introduction. Vega Secilia makes, in my opinion, the absolute best, most delicate Tempranillo in the whole of Spain. Alion is physically separated from the Vega Secilia winery, but it is the same hands that make these golden wines. Alion is simply the best value for money in Spain. Try to open a bottle and drink a glass every hour to see it develop. Thats my favorite Sunday!


Vintage Notes: 2004 was a good year in most of Spain. Despite high temperatures in September the harvest was plentiful, and the best producers made wines to store for many years.

2 comments:

  1. Haven't had this producer at all. Seems like it comes from an outstanding pedigree. Thanks for the notes!

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  2. Yup, this is a great wine... haven't paired it with lamb yet, but it's been great the two times I've had it with beef.

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