A sophisticated, powerful and beautifully polished expression of modern Rioja from the celebrated partnership between Tempos Vega Sicilia and the Rothschild family.
Macán 2020 is crafted entirely from Tempranillo and combines the depth and structure of Rioja with remarkable refinement. Ripe black and red fruits, violet, cedar, spice and mineral notes unfold across a concentrated yet elegant palate, supported by finely integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish.
Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Vintage: 2020
Grape: 100% Tempranillo
Style: Dry Red Wine
Alcohol: 14% ABV
Ageing: 16 months in French oak and a portion in large wooden vats
Bottle Ageing: Minimum 18 months before release
Macán is produced from carefully selected Tempranillo vineyards spread across the Rioja region, with vines averaging more than 30 years of age.
Nose:
Deep and expressive, with ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum layered with violet, cedar, tobacco, sweet spice and subtle mineral notes. With time in the glass, nuances of cocoa, dried herbs and fine oak begin to emerge.
Palate:
Concentrated yet remarkably controlled. Ripe dark fruit is balanced by freshness and savoury complexity, with notes of black cherry, plum, liquorice, spice and graphite developing through the palate.
Structure:
Full-bodied and structured, but with beautifully refined tannins. The 2020 combines power with impressive freshness, giving the wine both immediate appeal and considerable ageing potential.
Finish:
Long, polished and persistent, with lingering dark fruit, spice, cedar and mineral notes.
Macán represents one of the most ambitious modern interpretations of Rioja.
The project was created through the partnership between the Rothschild and Álvarez families, bringing together the winemaking heritage behind Vega Sicilia with the experience and precision associated with the Rothschild family's great wines.
The name Macán comes from the traditional name used for the inhabitants of the Rioja village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra.
Rather than following the traditional Rioja classifications of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, Macán is conceived as a terroir-driven expression of Tempranillo, with vineyard selection and vintage character determining the final wine.
The result is distinctly Rioja, but with a level of concentration, precision and polish that places Macán comfortably among Spain's modern fine wines.
2020 was a demanding growing season in Rioja, requiring careful vineyard management and rigorous selection.
Tempos Vega Sicilia describes the vintage as complex, with significant rainfall and challenging conditions during parts of the growing cycle. Careful selection was therefore particularly important.
For Macán 2020, the estate continued its move toward a more refined ageing regime, reducing the influence of smaller barrels and incorporating larger wooden vats. The objective is greater purity of fruit, freshness and expression of the vineyard rather than overt oak character.
The resulting wine combines the generosity of the vintage with impressive precision and balance.
Drink now – 2040+
Macán 2020 already offers considerable pleasure, particularly with decanting, but its concentration, acidity and tannic structure give it excellent potential for further development.
Recommended Decanting: 1–2 hours
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Over time, expect the youthful black fruit and spice to evolve toward tobacco, leather, dried flowers, forest floor and more complex savoury notes.
Macán's combination of richness, structure and freshness makes it particularly suited to roasted and grilled meats.
Excellent with:
Grilled Ribeye · Beef Tenderloin · Roast Lamb · Lamb Chops · Braised Beef Short Rib · Iberico Pork · Duck · Wild Game · Mushroom Risotto · Truffle Dishes · Manchego · Aged Hard Cheeses
The Tasting Room Recommendation:
Pair with slow-roasted lamb or a charcoal-grilled ribeye. The richness of the meat complements Macán's concentrated Tempranillo fruit, while the wine's acidity and finely structured tannins provide freshness and balance throughout the meal.
