Macan Oro 2021

Macán is the undisputed flagship wine of Bodegas Benjamín de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia, a historic joint venture established in 2004 that brings together the expertise, tradition and excellence of two of the most legendary and respected families in the world of wine: the Álvarez family (owners of the iconic Tempos Vega Sicilia) and the Rothschild family (owners of Edmond de Rothschild Heritage).

This red wine from the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin (D.O.Ca. Rioja) offers a modern, highly elegant and distinctive interpretation of the finest wines from the Rioja Sonsierra, one of the world's most prestigious wine-growing subregions. Produced exclusively from 100% Tempranillo grapes, Macán comes from a rigorous selection of vineyard parcels with an average vine age of 40 years, located on limestone terraces at approximately 500 metres above sea level in the municipalities of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida, Ábalos, Navaridas and Elvillar.

The winery follows the classic Bordeaux philosophy of first and second wine, with Macán serving as the flagship wine, representing the highest expression of finesse, complexity, elegance and exceptional ageing potential. After a meticulous hand harvest in 12 kg crates to preserve the perfect integrity of the fruit, the grapes undergo double sorting. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in French oak wooden vats under strict temperature control. Malolactic fermentation is then carried out partly in stainless steel tanks (70%) and partly in oak barrels (30%).

The wine is aged for 15 months in fine and extra-fine grain French oak barrels, with a high proportion of new oak and the remainder in one-year-old barrels, before resting and refining in bottle for almost three years prior to release. The result is a wine of exceptional finesse, velvety tannins and profound minerality that faithfully reflects the authenticity of its terroir.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep, intense cherry-red colour with remarkable depth, brilliant clarity and vivid garnet highlights.

Nose: Complex and elegant, revealing aromas of ripe black fruit (blackberries and plums) intertwined with balsamic notes, sweet spices (pepper and vanilla), subtle smoky nuances and a characteristic mineral background.

Palate: Full-bodied, fleshy and exceptionally balanced. Distinguished by its silky texture, ripe and polished tannins, and vibrant acidity that provides freshness. Long, persistent and highly elegant finish, with lingering notes of ripe fruit and noble oak.

Key Highlights

Exceptional Terroir: Vineyards over 40 years old planted on clay-limestone terraces in the Rioja Sonsierra.

Legendary Partnership: A joint project between Tempos Vega Sicilia and Edmond de Rothschild Heritage.

Precision Ageing: Aged for 15 months in extra-fine grain French oak barrels followed by extended bottle ageing.

Outstanding Ageing Potential: Superb structure and acidity ensure magnificent evolution over the next 15–20 years.

Serving Recommendations

Recommended serving temperature: 16–18°C.

It is recommended to decant the wine at least one hour before serving to allow it to fully express its aromatic complexity. Ideal pairing with roasted red meats, game, rich stews, traditional roast suckling lamb and aged sheep's milk cheeses.