Decanter World Wine AwardsVega Sicilia legal battle to last 'up to 5 years'
- Wednesday 2 November 2011
Alvarez: 'This war benefits no-one'
The historic Ribera del Duero vineyards of Vega Sicilia, established in 1859, came under the control of the Alvarez family in 1982, which acquired the estate as joint shareholders.
David Alvarez subsequently appointed his son Pablo as managing director of the property.
In recent times, however, tensions rose between father and son concerning the future direction of Vega Sicilia.
In 2009, the family feud erupted, leading David Alvarez at the age of 83 years to initiate legal proceedings against his son to petition for complete control of the property.
Pablo Alvarez told Decanter.com he was reluctant to expand upon the underlying reasons for the conflict.
‘It is our family policy not to issue any personal comment regarding our views on our father's actions. This we intend to maintain, above all else.’
According to Alvarez, a difficult and expensive legal battle lies ahead. ‘Considering our court system, we expect the case to be fought for between 2 to 5 years.
‘This war benefits no-one, it is lamentable that this has happened to my family. But we are not the first and we will not be the last’, he added.
Neither Vega Sicilia nor the Alvarez family has issued an official statement regarding the conflict.
Have your say!
James Swann, Ditton Wine Traders
November 03 12:28
It is not the first nor perhaps the last, however, nor are such matters characteristic of inheritance in Spain.
The vineyard fragmentation that raises inheritance issues in Burgundy, or the dynastic family affairs of Bordeaux are not proper to Spain.
It is lamentable but not the end.
Malcolm Royal
November 03 11:50
What a pity. I visited Vega Sicilia and Alion on 20 October. What wonderful properties and great Bordegas!
Pablo Alvarez has certainly guided these properies well under his tenure.
I wish the Alvarez Family strenghth in this time of conflict and hope the matter is resolved without Court Proceedings.