Spain · Castilla y León

Aalto

Aalto was established in 1999 by Mariano García, the legendary former winemaker of Vega Sicilia, and Javier Zaccagnini, former head of the Ribera del Duero regulatory council. The partnership was designed from the outset to produce a world-class Ribera del Duero from old-vine Tempranillo, and the domaine quickly established itself among the appellation's elite. The estate sources fruit from old-vine parcels — many over 80 years old — spread across the Ribera del Duero DO, with vinification at their purpose-built winery in Quintanilla de Arriba. The flagship Aalto PS (Pagos Seleccionados) is the prestige cuvée, made from the oldest and most select parcels, averaging around $200–$250 per bottle at auction. The standard Aalto Ribera del Duero averages $113 per bottle across 130 lots. At auction, prices range from $37 to $523. García's departure from Vega Sicilia and the subsequent critical endorsement of Aalto's early vintages established instant credibility. The PS bottling regularly scores 93–96 from Robert Parker and the Wine Advocate, driving collector demand.