# Excellens Cuvée Especial Colección Privada (2021)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, raspberry, black pepper, liquorice, vanilla, cloves, cedar, toast, smoke, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Excellens Cuvée Especial is an exclusive release by the historic Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres, specifically designed for high-end gastronomy and premium dining. Sourced from select, old-vine Tempranillo parcels in the premier sub-region of Rioja Alta, this wine represents a modern expression of Rioja. The estate, founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner, revolutionized Rioja winemaking by introducing Bordeaux techniques, focusing on French oak aging and fruit preservation rather than excessive oxidation.

## Interesting facts

- The 'Excellens' range is strictly allocated and reserved exclusively for premium restaurants and specialty wine boutiques.
- Marqués de Cáceres was founded with the help of legendary Bordeaux winemaker Émile Peynaud, who helped modernize Rioja's style.
- The grapes for this Cuvée Especial are sourced from old vines averaging over 30 years of age in the clay-limestone soils of Rioja Alta.

## Food pairing

The wine's balanced acidity and structured tannins cut beautifully through rich proteins and earthy flavors. The subtle oak integration complements roasted or grilled meats, while the vibrant red fruit notes lift savory, umami-rich dishes like mushrooms and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested manually from low-yielding vineyards. After destemming and gentle crushing, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in oak barrels and is subsequently aged for approximately 14 months in medium-toasted French oak casks (split between new and second-use barrels) to achieve a harmonious balance between vibrant fruit and refined wood integration, followed by refinement in the bottle.