Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Rioja Macan Clasico 2022 750ml

Name: Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Rioja Macan Clasico 2022 750ml
Brand: Benjamin De Rothschild & Vega Sicilia
SKU: 1034430
Price: 69.93 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 93 (4 reviews)

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SKU 1034430

$69.93/bottle

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They had to fine-tune the harvest dates of the grapes used for the 2022 Macán Clásico, prioritizing freshness over density, which resulted in their earliest harvest in the region, starting on September 11th, 10 days earlier than in 2021. They were also careful with the aging in oak to achieve good integration of the wood with the wine, a wine that is juicier and rounder, a more hedonistic vintage. It has maybe 1% Garnacha, up to 6% in some lots, picked quite early, or “very green,” according to winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga. The wine has contained ripeness and 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.78 and 4.75 grams of acidity. This is the first year when 100% of the yeasts were wild, and they aged the wine in barrels, only 5% American and 30% used, for 10 months, and 25% in stainless steel. The wine shows the warmth and ripeness of the year, especially when compared with the 2021 Macán I tasted next to it, but the results are much better than expected, the nose is harmonious, the palate balanced and the tannins very fine. Overall, it’s a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year. A total of 236,067 bottles, 2,110 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in June 2024.

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Country: Spain
Region: La Rioja
Appellation: Rioja

Size: 750ml
Color: Red

SKU: 1034430

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Winery Benjamin De Rothschild & Vega Sicilia

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Varietal Tempranillo

There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.

Country Spain

Ever since the Phoenicians and Romans brought their knowledge of vine cultivation to Spanish soils, the country's culture has grown alongside wine production, with wine being a vital part of Spanish identity and Spanish traditions. Each region of Spain has a wine quite distinct from the others, and it is produced by smallholders and families as much as it is by large companies and established wineries. From the relatively mild and lush regions of La Rioja to the arid plateaus that surround Madrid, grapes are grown in abundance for the now booming Spanish wine industry, and new laws and regulations have recently been put in place to keep the country's standards high. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, Spanish wineries are continuing to produce distinctive wines of great character, flavor and aroma, with the focus shifting in recent decades to quality over quantity.

Region La Rioja

La Rioja is by far the most famous wine region of Spain, and remains one of the world's great wine producing regions, consistently offering deep, complex red wines of character and distinction, partly due to the fact that La Rioja benefits from excellent soils, rich in minerals and nutrients, and plenty of sunshine. The climatic conditions allow the fine grape varietals to reach full ripeness and express plenty of the best features of their terroir, making La Rioja wines some of the most interesting to have ever come out of Europe. The Cantabrian mountains to the north provide the perfect shelter from the colder, wetter influences of the Atlantic oceans, and in the beloved vineyards of La Rioja, wineries have been cultivating exceedingly flavorful Tempranillo grapes for generations for the inclusion in their fine single variety and blended wines.

Appellation Rioja

Rioja, a renowned wine appellation in Spain, stands as an emblem of the country's winemaking heritage and innovation. What makes Rioja unique is its commitment to blending traditional and modern winemaking methods. Primarily crafted from Tempranillo, with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo as supporting players, Rioja wines showcase a remarkable balance of fruit, oak, and complex aging. Rioja's classification system, featuring Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, delineates the aging periods, highlighting the region's dedication to quality. The use of American oak barrels imparts distinctive vanilla and coconut notes, contributing to Rioja's recognizable profile. The diverse terroir, from the high-altitude vineyards of Rioja Alta to the warmer Rioja Baja, adds depth and complexity to the wines. Exploring Rioja allows enthusiasts to savor the rich tapestry of Spanish winemaking, where historic bodegas coexist with modern practices, resulting in wines that seamlessly marry tradition and innovation, offering a glimpse into the soul of Spanish viticulture.

Ratings & Reviews

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

They had to fine-tune the harvest dates of the grapes used for the 2022 Macán Clásico, prioritizing freshness over density, which resulted in their earliest harvest in the region, starting on September 11th, 10 days earlier than in 2021. They were also careful with the aging in oak to achieve good integration of the wood with the wine, a wine that is juicier and rounder, a more hedonistic vintage. It has maybe 1% Garnacha, up to 6% in some lots, picked quite early, or "very green," according to winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga. The wine has contained ripeness and 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.78 and 4.75 grams of acidity. This is the first year when 100% of the yeasts were wild, and they aged the wine in barrels, only 5% American and 30% used, for 10 months, and 25% in stainless steel. The wine shows the warmth and ripeness of the year, especially when compared with the 2021 Macán I tasted next to it, but the results are much better than expected, the nose is harmonious, the palate balanced and the tannins very fine. Overall, it's a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year. A total of 236,067 bottles, 2,110 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in June 2024.

WS 93pts

Wine Spectator

A poised, well-tailored red, this is subtle at first, leading with a pure beam of ripe boysenberry and cherry fruit accented by sweet tobacco and blood orange peel aromatics. Mouthwatering acidity and supple, sculpted tannins support the profile as this expands on the palate, revealing layers of milled white pepper, violet, anise and mineral notes that linger on the finish. Best from 2028 through 2040. 19,672 cases made, 500 cases imported.

JD 93pts

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Macan Clasico from Vega Sicilia and Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild is from younger vines and has 1% Garnacha, intended to be a fruitier, fresher option than the more luxurious, age-worthy bottling of Macan. Less than a year in new and used barrel with another year and a half in bottle helps to meld the refined red berry fruit, woody herbal tones, and smooth texture, unfurling into a medium-bodied, balanced wine despite the heat of the vintage. There’s a touch of medium-bodied concentration and grip on the palate. Give it some time and drink 2028-2038.

VM 92pts

Vinous Media

The 2022 Clásico comes from Rioja. Intense on the nose, it opens with floral notes, delicate herbs and a hint of mint, while fine oak sits behind a core of pure cherry fruit. It is expressive and nuanced. The palate carries the richness and volume typical of the Sonsierra, supported by a touch of grip and finely integrated oak that brings energy to the warm 2022 vintage. A successful and characterful Macán Clásico.

Winery Notes

Fermented in stainless and maturing in a mix of French and American oak barrels, the 2022 second wine of Macan has a nice level of ripennes, and a pleasant softness due to the fine tannins. It will age gracefully.