In a wine country as diverse as Spain, what do you call excellent? For starters, it should taste good! It should also represent the best of the grape(s) used and represent good value to wine drinkers around the world. Spain has many wines that fit this bill including Marqués de Cáceres ‘Excellens’ Cuvée Especial Tempranillo 2016 from La Rioja. When you find a wine like this, you should stock up and tell your friends.
Tasting Notes: 100% Tempranillo, the 2016 Marqués de Cáceres ‘Excellens’ Cuvée Especial is soft, ripe and full. The deep, dark fruit flavours slide over your palate while the tannins show a gentle texture and elegance. Toasted oak notes and vanilla carry on though the balanced finish.
Enjoy With: Smoky dishes and grilled or seared red meats, Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos or nachos, and pastas in tomato sauces.
Style: A fruity, medium-bodied smooth red wine.
Terroir/Region: The Marqués de Cáceres winery is located in Cenicero, La Rioja Alta, and specific vineyards in this region have been selected to make up the ‘Excellens’ Cuvée Especial. Cenicero is close to the Ebro River and possesses the ideal microclimate and soil for growing vines. Vineyards as high as 600m contribute lively fruit flavours and solid structure, while lower vineyards close to the village offer softer tannins and rich fruit to every bottle of this Tempranillo.
Producer: In 1970, Enrique Forner founded Marqués de Cáceres to unify his vision for an enterprising family with five generations of wine trade experience, and the best vine growers and vineyards in La Rioja. He styled the winery after those of Bordeaux, which revolutionized the production and business model with a single objective: quality. His obsession continues today with Cristina Forner, the next generation of this distinguished wine family.
Availability: Marqués de Cáceres ‘Excellens’ Cuvée Especial 2016 will be available online and in the Vintages section of your local LCBO on October 3, but some stores already have it on shelf. Tell your friends and share some Spanish excellence!
Check LCBO store inventory
Price: $17.95
LCBO#: 10684
Size: 750mL
Alcohol Content: 14.7% alc./vol.
