Marqués de Cáceres Reserva 2019 Gift Set – The Perfection of Rioja Alta in an Exclusive Edition

The Marqués de Cáceres Reserva Gift Set is a tribute to the timeless elegance and aristocratic structure of Rioja Alta. This set, consisting of two bottles of the outstanding 2019 vintage and two perfectly shaped wine glasses, represents the quintessence of Spanish winemaking art. While many modern wines focus on quick fruit, Marqués de Cáceres celebrates the art of patience: slow maturation in French oak paired with extended bottle aging. Anyone looking to buy a high-quality Rioja Reserva that impresses with its harmonious tannin structure and complex terroir profile will find the ideal balance between traditional craftsmanship and luxurious enjoyment in this gift basket.

The Philosophy: Innovation Meets Centuries-Old Terroir

Founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner, Marqués de Cáceres revolutionized Rioja by introducing French winemaking techniques. The Reserva 2019 is the result of meticulous selection from old vines rooted in the best locations of Rioja Alta. In accordance with EU Regulation 2021/2117 and LMIV 1169/2011, this gift set not only offers an exceptional drinking experience but also full transparency regarding nutritional values and origin. It is a wine that tells the story of a region where climate and soil form an inseparable unity.

Sensory Analysis

A Reserva of this caliber is defined by its aromatic layering and the evolution of tannins on the palate.

• Color: In the glass, it shows a deep, dense garnet red with slight brick-red reflections at the rim, indicating several years of aging in oak barrels. The color density is high, and the "church windows" at the rim attest to the concentration and alcohol content of 14.5% vol.

• Aromatics (Nose): The nose reveals masterful complexity:

  • Primary: Ripe black cherries, blackberries, and a hint of dark forest berries.

  • Secondary: Aging in French oak creates noble notes of vanilla, roasted coffee beans, and a trace of fine dark chocolate.

  • Tertiary: In the depths, there are hints of leather, tobacco leaf, and a fine balsamic note (cedar), typical of aged Tempranillo cuvées.

• Structure & Tannins: On the palate, the wine presents itself full-bodied and aristocratic. The tannin structure is firm but already silky smooth due to the aging period. The tannins perfectly coat the mouth without being astringent.

• Acidity & Balance: The acidity is lively and provides a long-lasting backbone. It masterfully balances the ripe fruit sweetness and the robust body. The alcohol is excellently integrated and gives the wine a pleasant warmth in the finish.

• Finish & Aging Potential: The finish is extremely long, spicy, and ends with a toasty wood note. The Reserva 2019 is at the beginning of its ideal drinking window and has an aging potential of another 10 to 15 years.

Origin & Terroir

Rioja Alta is considered the most prestigious sub-region of Rioja, characterized by an interplay of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences.

Soil Structure and Microclimate

The vines for this wine grow on clay-limestone soils (Arcillo-Calcáreo). These soils force the roots to penetrate deep into the rock, which gives the wine its characteristic minerality and structure. The microclimate of Rioja Alta, with cool nights and warm days, allows for a slow, physiological ripening of the Tempranillo grape, which is essential for aromatic concentration.

Winery Philosophy

Marqués de Cáceres focuses on sustainability and precision. Only grapes from vines with an average age of 25 to 35 years are selected for the Reserva. Yield reduction in the vineyard ensures that every berry carries the full power of the terroir into the cellar.

Vinification & Aging

The production of the Reserva follows a ritualistic protocol of patience.

• Harvest: 100% hand-harvested with strict selection on the sorting table. Only the best lots of the 2019 vintage were used.

• Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by extended maceration to extract the maximum amount of anthocyanins and tannins.

• Barrel Aging: The wine ages for at least 15 months in French oak barrels (a mix of new and used barrels). This gives it fine roasted aromas and a noble structure.

• Bottle Aging: After bottling, the wine rests for at least another 24 months in the winery's cellars before being released for sale.

Ratings & Medals

The 2019 vintage of Marqués de Cáceres is highly praised by wine critics:

1. James Suckling: 93 points for "excellent balance and silky tannins."

2. Guía Peñín: 92 points for its typicality and classic Rioja style.

3. Wine Spectator: Acknowledgment for its "complex structure and long-lasting finish."

Food Pairing & Service

This gift set is designed for festive occasions and calls for an equally exquisite accompaniment.

• Specific Dishes: An ideal companion to braised lamb chops, Beef Wellington, or robust game dishes (deer or wild boar).

• Vegetarian Alternative: A porcini mushroom risotto with truffle oil or aged Manchego cheese with walnuts.

• Serving Temperature: Ideally served at 16–18 °C.

• Decanting: We recommend decanting (carafe) the wine about 60 minutes before serving so that the tertiary aromas of tobacco and leather can fully open. Use the glasses included in the set, whose bowl shape is specially designed for the bouquet of aged Reservas.

Technical Details & Mandatory Information

The following overview summarizes all relevant data in accordance with current legislation.

Product Specifications

Average Nutritional Values (per 100 ml)

According to EU Regulation 2021/2117:

Producer & Distributor

Producer:

Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres

Ctra. de Logroño, s/n

26350 Cenicero (La Rioja)

Spain

Distributor (EU):

Weinimport GmbH

Speicherstraße 4

28217 Bremen

Germany