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2015 Benjamin Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macan

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

February 12, 2023 - $71

Estimate

RATINGS

95James Suckling

A dense red that is agile and energetic with gorgeous blackberry, dark chocolate and hints of cedar. Notes of spice and toasted chocolate. Full to medium body, very long and polished textures. A classic Rioja with a touch of modernity.

93+ The Wine Advocate

...darker fruit and an earthy touch. It's powerful, with structure and plenty of tannin, a dense wine...

91Wine Spectator

Sleek and harmonious...offers black cherry, licorice, forest floor and smoky notes, set in a polished texture, with well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity. Balanced and graceful.

REGION

Spain, Rioja

Rioja Demoninación de Origine Calificada is Spain’s most important wine region. Located in northern Spain, it comprises 135,000 vineyard acres and was the first official appellation in Spain, earning its official DO status in 1926. In 1991 it became Spain’s first DOCa, Spain’s most prestigious appellation category. The DOCa is divided into three subzones: La Rioja Alavesa in the northeast; La Rioja Alta in the southwest; and La Rioja Baja in the east. About 75 percent of Rioja wines are reds, with Tempranillo the predominant grape. Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, a spicy, high-acidity red grape, are also allowed. White wines are made from Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca and Malvasia. Wines were made in this region well before the Romans arrived, though the Romans then the medieval monks refined vineyard management and wine production. In the 19th century French families migrated to Rioja after phylloxera wiped out their vineyards, and the French helped establish the tradition of wine blends, still part of Rioja winemaking. According to the rules for the appellation, a wine labelled a simple Rioja can spend less than a year in an oak aging barrel. A Criziana is aged for at least two years, one in oak. Rioja Reserva is aged at least three years, with at least one in oak. A Rioja Gran Reserva must be aged at least five years, with two years in oak.