Wines Rioja Marqués de Cáceres - Rioja DOCa Gaudium Gran Vino - 2012

Viniou Reviews

The 2012 Marqués de Cáceres Gaudium Gran Vino captivates as a modern expression of great Rioja tradition. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo, with small parcels of other indigenous grapes sourced from select, old-vine plots, this red wine exemplifies careful selection and masterful vinification. The 2012 vintage benefited from abundant sunshine and cool nights, enabling optimal grape ripening and concentration. Following fermentation, the wine spent an extended period in French oak barrels, bestowing it with remarkable complexity, depth, and polish. In the glass, it offers a deep ruby hue, with an aromatic bouquet interweaving ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries accented by sweet spice, cedar, and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate is structured and elegant, with supple tannins, a vibrant acidity, and a lingering, refined finish.

Rioja, situated in northern Spain, is arguably the country’s flagship wine region and renowned worldwide for its long-lived, noble red wines. The vineyards of Rioja benefit from a unique confluence of climatic influences—the cool Atlantic, the warm Mediterranean, and the dry Castilla plain—resulting in a moderate, extended growing season. Gravelly and calcareous soils imbue the wines with freshness and mineral nuance. Rioja’s winemaking legacy stretches back centuries, shaped by a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, and the region was among the first in Spain to receive DOCa status, a testament to its quality.

This Gaudium Gran Vino pairs exquisitely with chargrilled lamb cutlets, slow-cooked oxtail, or roasted suckling pig, iconic dishes of the Rioja region that complement the wine’s concentration and subtle earthiness. It also enhances robust stews, aged Manchego cheese, or even a simple plate of Iberico ham and paprika-laced chorizo. Rich, savoury dishes with herbs or mushrooms will underscore its elegance and depth.

For the best sensory experience, decant this Rioja at least one hour before serving. Enjoy it at a slightly cool cellar temperature, ideally between 16-18°C, which will reveal its layered aromas, freshness, and structure. This wine promises further evolution over the coming years should you choose to cellar it.