Viniou Reviews
Macán 2020 by Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia is a wine that perfectly captures the essence of modern Rioja. This Rioja DO red is primarily made from Tempranillo, the region’s signature grape, offering a contemporary style that sets it apart from more traditional Riojas. The 2020 vintage experienced a generally mild winter followed by a warm, dry summer, producing grapes with excellent ripeness and balance. The careful vinification process at this prestigious bodega involves fermentation in stainless steel tanks with temperature control, then an ageing period in a mix of French oak barrels, imparting structure and complexity while preserving the purity of fruit. Colour in the glass is typically a deep, vibrant ruby, while on the nose there are aromas of ripe black cherry, raspberry, plum, and subtle hints of spice and toasted oak. On the palate, Macán 2020 balances intensity with finesse, featuring supple tannins, fresh acidity, and a lingering, elegant finish.
La Rioja, one of Spain’s most distinguished wine regions, boasts a rich winemaking heritage dating back to Roman times. The region benefits from a temperate, semi-continental climate with Atlantic influences, which helps moderate summer heat and retains vibrant acidity in the grapes. The soils are a complex mix of clay, limestone, and alluvial components, providing excellent drainage and imparting minerality and depth to the wines. This enviable natural environment, combined with generations of viticultural expertise, enables producers like Vega Sicilia and Rothschild to craft wines of distinction and longevity.
Macán 2020’s modern expression calls for sophisticated food pairings. Its vibrant fruit and supple tannins make it a superb partner to grilled lamb cutlets with herbs, Iberian pork, or oven-roasted duck breast. Traditional Riojan dishes such as patatas a la riojana or chorizo al vino also work wonderfully. For cheese lovers, try with Manchego curado or a selection of aged Spanish cheeses that enhance the wine’s savoury notes.
To fully appreciate Macán 2020’s aromatics and supple texture, serve it at 16-18°C. Decanting for 30–60 minutes will help the wine open up and reveal its layered complexity. This vintage can be enjoyed now for its youthful vibrancy or cellared for several years to develop further nuance.
