Marques de Caceres Gran Reserva Rioja 2016  £24.50

MARQUES DE CACERES GRAN RESERVA RIOJA

In 1970, Enrique Forner founded Marqués de Cáceres, Unión Vitivinícola, S.A., a historic Alliance between a region (Cenicero, La Rioja Alta), an enterprising family that has been devoted to the wine trade for five generations, the best vine growers and vineyards in La Rioja and a Bordeaux concept which revolutionised the production and business model with a single objective: the quality to obtain the best wines, an obsession that today continues to be the leitmotiv of Cristina Forner, the fourth generation of this distinguished wine family.

Special selection of 35-50 year-old vineyards with some parcels in Rioja Alta that are 65-85 years old. Very low yields with a maximum of 33 hl/ha and less than 15 hl/ha in those parcels that are 65 years plus. The Tempranillo comes from vineyards planted at various altitudes (400-620 metres above sea level) from different zones within the Cenicero boundary, Elciego and Laguardia, which confer complexity. The Garnacha Tinta is selected from vineyards located in Rioja Alta, specifically Cenicero and Nájera, with respective altitudes of 650m and 500m, so as to achieve finesse, freshness and, at the same time, good structure. The Graciano is selected mainly in Elciego, where the grapes offer unique character: exquisiteness, style, brio and colour.

The grapes are de-stemmed and crushed. Alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperatures, starting off at 10°C to reach 28ºC. Prolonged alcoholic maceration with the skins up to 30 days to extract more colour, aromas and tannic structure. Malolactic fermentación in new French oak barrels or in stainless-steel tanks, depending on the batches. Once this process has finalised, the wines are put into barrels for ageing with racking every 6 months.

24-26 months, depending on the origin of the vineyards and if the new French oak barrels are being used for their first or second wine.

Dark colour with a hint of brick-red on the edge. Superb complexity on the nose with balsamic notes and refined oak. Full in the mouth with a depth of mature plums, sweet spice and roasted coffee beans. Still fresh and discreetly lively, promising excellent potential for ageing. Delicious and full with superb length. This Gran Reserva refreshes with character our DO’s traditional style.