The true origin of the legend lies in a story of hope, commitment and patience on the banks of the Duero River, as it crosses the heart of Castilla, where the river laps and nourishes a unique and exceptional, almost magical estate.
This wise, hard, gnarled and barren land was destined for something great. He had to join forces with time to realize his great dream: to give the best of himself, obtain extraordinary harvests, fill him with pride and show the splendor of nature.
Yet, to do so, the earth and time need human help. Bodegas Vega Sicilia was founded in Valbuena de Duero, in the Ribiera del Duero, by the Spanish winemaker Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, in 1864.
The name Vega Sicilia has ancient origins: it is believed that Vega derives from the term used to define the vegetation that grows along the banks of the Duero river, while Sicily refers to Santa Cecilia, to which numerous villages located in the Castilla y León region are dedicated. Before founding his winery, the oenologist Lecanda y Chaves had had various work experiences in the Bordeaux area, so much so that on his return to Spain he decided to plant Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot on his property in addition to Tempranillo.
The company currently covers an area of 1000 hectares of which 210 are vineyards, divided into 140 hectares useful for the production of Valbuena and Unico wines, while the remaining part is for the production of Alión. The vines have an average age of 35 years, but there are also pre-phylloxera plants from 1910. In 1982 the Bodegas Vega Sicilia was bought by the Álvarez family who with their work brings back what has always been the reference winery. for Spanish enology with its Unico wines and Reserva Especial.
