Vega Sicilia Rothschild Macan Clasico

Tempranillo from Rioja's Sonsierra sub-region, grown at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, produces wines of notable freshness and finesse. This is a joint venture between two of wine's most celebrated dynasties: Spain's Vega Sicilia and the Rothschild family of Bordeaux.

Their 100 hectares of sandy-clay, limestone soils were carefully selected over five years before the first vintage in 2009. The wine ferments in stainless steel, with partial malolactic fermentation in oak, before maturing for 12 to 14 months in a mix of new and used French barrels.

• The nose is expressive and aromatic, with red cherry, summer berry and dried mountain herbs lifted by a hint of violet.
• On the palate, juicy red fruit is underpinned by fine, silky tannins and a lively acidity that keeps everything fresh and precise.
• The finish is long and refined, tapering with red plum, white pepper and a faint floral lift.

Serve alongside roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, slow-cooked beef short rib, or herb-crusted pork loin.