2021 Benjamin de Rothschild Vega Sicilia Macan Classico

Benjamin de Rothschild Winery & Vega Sicilia

Macán is the joint Rioja project of Tempos Vega Sicilia and the Rothschild family. This partnership unites two icons of the international wine world with a shared focus on provenance, precision, and long-term quality. Since its first vintage, Macán has been conceived as a parcel-based project, with a strong emphasis on vineyard work and controlled vinification. The style of Macán Clásico is refined and balanced, with a clear focus on freshness and structure within the classic Rioja profile.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Rioja and the characteristics of the 2021 vintage

Rioja enjoyed a remarkably balanced growing season in 2021. The year was characterized by above-average rainfall, a mild spring, and stable harvest conditions. Hail caused localized damage in mid-June, but only a limited portion of the vineyards were affected.

Thanks to the moderate temperatures and calm autumn, the grapes were able to ripen evenly. This resulted in wines with moderate alcohol, fresh acidity, and pronounced aromatic clarity. For Macán Clásico, this meant a style with more tension and a noticeably cooler signature than in warmer years.

Vineyards and origins of Macán Clásico

The grapes for Macán Clásico come from approximately 92 hectares of our own vineyards in Rioja, spread across carefully selected plots. The focus is on Tempranillo, supplemented with small quantities of other local varieties planted as field blends.

In recent years, Garnacha has also been increasingly added. In 2021, Garnacha made up approximately five percent of the blend. This addition contributes to freshness and aromatic tension, without detracting from the wine's classic character.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2021 Macán Clásico is based primarily on Tempranillo, supplemented with a small amount of Garnacha. The grapes were harvested simultaneously and fermented together, resulting in a natural integration of fruit, structure, and freshness.

The decision to slowly scale up Garnacha fits within the broader vision of the project, which seeks to produce wines with lower alcohol, more energy and a longer lifespan.

Harvest and vinification

The harvest took place under stable conditions, with mild temperatures throughout the picking. After arriving at the cellar, the grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks, with approximately fifty percent of the volume inoculated with indigenous yeasts from the vineyards.

This approach contributes to complexity and terroir expression. Since 2016, large foudres have also been used for part of the fermentation, and in 2021, large 21,000-liter oak barrels were also introduced for maturation.

Maturation and wood use

The 2021 Macán Clásico was carefully aged. Forty percent of the wine was aged in new French oak barrels, thirty percent in used French oak barrels, and five percent in American oak. The remaining twenty-five percent remained in stainless steel.

This combination creates a balance between structure, freshness, and oak influence. The wine has an alcohol content of 14%, a pH of 3.7, and a total acidity of 4.7 g/l. The wine was bottled in August 2023.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a bright ruby red color. The nose is precise and layered, with aromas of red and dark fruit, spices, and a distinct herbal and spicy note. There is a subtle floral impression and a light earthy note reminiscent of wet lime.

On the palate, the wine is fine-grained and textured, with a fresh core and very refined tannins. The flavor profile is energetic and taut, with a slightly chalky structure and a long, balanced finish. The style is remarkably elegant and less warm than in riper vintages.

Structure, style and storage potential

The 2021 Macán Clásico shows a clear shift toward a fresher, more Atlantic style. The wine combines ripe fruit with tension and precision, without sacrificing depth.

Thanks to its structure and balance, the wine is already appealing, but it will continue to refine in the coming years. Within its drinking window, the wine will gain complexity while retaining its freshness and elegance.

Summary of professional reviews

Luis Gutiérrez rates the 2021 Macán Clásico 95 points, praising its fresh, Atlantic signature, fine tannins, and balance between fruit and structure. He highlights the use of Garnacha, the moderate alcohol, and the chalky mouthfeel as clear hallmarks of this vintage. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Would you like to order wines from Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

Grilled lamb chop with rosemary complements the fresh texture and spicy notes.

Veal entrecote with mushrooms and light jus goes well with the fine tannins.

Roasted eggplant with lentils and herbs works beautifully with the earthy, chalky character.

Beef stew with bay leaf and thyme enhances the depth and balance of the wine.

Grilled chicken with pepper and fennel combines well with the fresh fruit expression.

Semi-hard cheeses such as Manchego curado complement the structure and length of the finish.