Vega Sicilia, Macán Clásico 2017, D.O. Rioja, red wine, 0.75l

Macán Clásico 2021 is a red wine from the Rioja region, specifically from Sonsierra in the Sierra de Cantabria mountains, which has a long winemaking tradition and a rich history of grape growing. The wine reflects the freshness, fruitiness, liveliness and delicacy of this terroir and represents a balanced and elegant style.

The 2021 vintage was exceptional. It combines healthy, fresh and juicy grapes with crisp skins. According to the winemakers, this vintage is one of the best so far.
95 points – Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate)
95 points – Tim Atkin
94 points – Guía Peñín
92 points – James Suckling

Grape variety: 100% Tempranillo (sometimes with a small proportion of Garnacha field-blended to enhance freshness), giving the wine a typical modern-style Rioja expression.

Vineyard: The wine comes from 100 ha of carefully selected vineyards in the villages of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida, Ábalos, Navaridas and Elvillar. The vines are on average 30 years old, planted at a high density of approximately 3,333 vines/ha and grow in soils with limestone and clay, which give the grapes a pronounced mineral streak and freshness. The vineyards are at an altitude of around 483 m, which helps balance heat and cold during the growing season. The grapes are picked by hand in small 12kg boxes to ensure their quality during processing.

Production and ageing: After hand harvesting, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and partly in wooden vessels. The wine ages for around 12 months in barrique barrels of French and American oak (often a combination of new barrels and barrels previously used for one wine), and then rests for several more months in bottle before being released onto the market. This process gives it structure and depth while preserving liveliness and fruitiness.

Taste and aroma: It has a clear ruby red colour and opens on the nose with aromas of ripe red fruit, cherries, raspberries and morello cherries, often accompanied by gentle spicy and herbal notes. On the palate the wine is balanced, fresh and elegant, with fine, well-integrated tannins and pronounced fruitiness, supported by a delicate mineral quality from the soil.
The acidity and structure make the wine pleasantly drinkable already now, but it is also suitable for ageing for 10–15 years if stored under optimal conditions.

Food pairing: The wine is best served at 18 °C. It goes well with red meat, grilled dishes, roast lamb or medium-intensity cheeses. Thanks to its freshness and fruitiness, it also pairs well with traditional Spanish dishes.

Alcohol content: 14%

Origin: Spain, D.O.Ca Rioja