Welcome to #RGSpotlights, where we celebrate the hidden gems and underdogs of the spirits world. In this edition, we journey to the lesser-known but extraordinary Toro region in Spain. As we set to uncover the story of Vega Sicilia's Bodega Pintia. Join us as we delve into the story behind this bold yet sophisticated creation. And find out why it deserves a spotlight of its own.

Bodega Pintia is a wine producer based in the Toro municipality in the region of Castilla y Leon in North Western Spain. Toro is sandwiched between the famous wine region of Ribera del Duero and the Douro region just across the border in Portugal. Winemaking in this area boasts a long history, dating back to the 1st century BC.

In 1996 the Pintia estate was purchased by the Alvarez family, owners of one of Spain's top-ranking wineries, the Bodega Vega Sicilia. They were attracted to the region due to the excellent growing conditions for wine, featuring a continental climate with extremely cold winters and hot summers as well as its complex soils known for being characteristically rich in pebbles.

Providing the unique vine-growing conditions that make the Duero Valley wines so special. With its harsh, stony soils and ancient Duero river deposits, Toro presented the perfect opportunity to create something truly distinctive.

For the next four years, the family conducted extensive experiments to unlock Toro’s potential. Grapes from various vineyards were fermented, and aged in different types of barrels, and malolactic fermentation was tested in both old and new oak. Nearly a hundred variations were explored, all in search of the perfect balance between fruit expression and elegance.

The vines themselves grow between 600 and 700 metres above sea level, with 25% of the vineyard featuring vines that are over 50 years old. These conditions are excellent for producing the full-bodied and complex wines that the Bodega Pintia is known for.

The result was Pintia—a wine that preserves the vibrant fruitiness of Toro’s powerful grapes while refining it with the utmost elegance. The 2017 Pintia benefited from a very short harvest period, lasting from the 6th to the 17th of September and done with no interruptions, in order to ensure maximum freshness, it was then aged in the best French and American oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. Pintia stands as a testament to the Álvarez family’s dedication to producing world-class wines.

The Vega Sicilia Pintia 2017 presents an aromatic profile that is both expansive and elegant, with a vibrant bouquet that showcases the purity and expressiveness of the fruit. On the nose, rich, deep fruit aromas are delivered in a polished and refined way, captivating the senses with their intensity.

Upon tasting, the wine reveals a robust structure underpinned by firm yet well-integrated tannins, adding a textured complexity to the mouthfeel. Its finish is long-lasting and refreshing, marked by a harmonious balance of flavours. Overall, the Pintia 2017 offers a sophisticated and multi-layered tasting experience that leaves a lasting impression of finesse and balance.

As we conclude this edition of #RGSpotlights, Bodega Pintia emerges as a shining example of how passion, tradition, and experimentation can converge to produce something truly remarkable. From the rugged soils of Toro to the careful craftsmanship of the Alvarez family, Pintia is a tribute to the power of place and the art of winemaking.

This bold yet refined wine offers a taste of history, a hint of innovation, and a reminder that even in a world filled with renowned names, there are always hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here’s to raising a glass to underdogs—like Pintia—that deserves a spot in your collection. Cheers!

(Pictured: One of our Wine Experts, Alison, enjoying a glass of Pintia)