Marqués de Cáceres Crianza 2022
Medium-bodied to full-bodied dry red wine styled with a balance of vibrant fruit and subtle oak influence. · Marqués de Cáceres, founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner in Cenicero, Rioja Alta. It is an internationally renowned, family-managed winery known for pioneering a modern, fruit-forward style of Rioja while respecting traditional foundations. Enrique Forner brought Bordeaux winemaking techniques to the region, significantly elevating quality and transforming the estate into a globally recognized benchmark for Rioja.
Vintage: 2022. The growing season was characterized by notable warmth and low rainfall across much of Spain, leading to an early harvest. The resulting wines tend to offer ripe, expressive fruit profiles with approachable structure and generous alcohol levels.
Type
Medium-bodied to full-bodied dry red wine styled with a balance of vibrant fruit and subtle oak influence.
Producer
Marqués de Cáceres, founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner in Cenicero, Rioja Alta. It is an internationally renowned, family-managed winery known for pioneering a modern, fruit-forward style of Rioja while respecting traditional foundations. Enrique Forner brought Bordeaux winemaking techniques to the region, significantly elevating quality and transforming the estate into a globally recognized benchmark for Rioja.
Country
Spain, a foundational Old World wine-producing country with the largest vineyard surface area in the world. Known for stringent aging classifications, diverse microclimates, and indigenous grapes like Tempranillo.
Vintage
2022. The growing season was characterized by notable warmth and low rainfall across much of Spain, leading to an early harvest. The resulting wines tend to offer ripe, expressive fruit profiles with approachable structure and generous alcohol levels.
Region & Appellation
Rioja DOCa, Spain. Rioja is Spain's premier and most historically significant wine region, holding the prestigious DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) status, which requires rigorous quality control and traceability.
Grape Varieties
Predominantly Tempranillo (around 85-90%), supplemented by small proportions of Garnacha Tinta and Graciano to add freshness, aromatics, and structure.
Color & Appearance
Ruby red with bright crimson highlights and a youthful purple rim, showing medium depth and good clarity with moderate legs reflecting its moderate-to-full body.
Aroma Profile
Expressive primary aromas of fresh red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries, complemented by secondary and tertiary notes of sweet vanilla, subtle toast, licorice, and a gentle balsamic whisper from its oak aging.
Tasting Notes
A lively entry on the palate showing succulent red berry fruit, evolving into a harmonious mid-palate with soft, fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is clean, persistent, and gently spiced with lingering notes of red fruit and vanilla.
Flavor Profile
Dominated by ripe red plum, strawberry, and dark cherry, accented by sweet baking spices, subtle coconut from American oak, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs and earthiness.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel, approachable texture, and well-integrated extract that provides a pleasant roundness without heaviness.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium acidity that provides appetizing freshness and liveliness. Tannins are fine-grained, gentle, and polished, making the wine approachable in its youth while offering structural support.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry with negligible residual sugar, balanced by ripe fruit flavors and soft, warming alcohol.
Alcohol Content
Approximately 13.5% to 14.0% ABV, typical for a modern Rioja Crianza, providing good warmth and body.
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels (mostly second and third use to preserve fruit purity), followed by several months of bottle aging prior to commercial release.
Food Pairings
Ideal with roasted meats, grilled pork chops, lamb cutlets, charcuterie, tapas, roasted vegetables, and medium-aged cheeses like Manchego. Excellent for autumn gatherings and casual dining.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) in a standard universal wine glass. No prolonged decanting necessary, though letting it breathe for 20 minutes opens up the aromatics. Enjoy now over the next few years.
Price Range
12 to 18 USD, representing exceptional value for money in the everyday premium category.
Quality Assessment
Estimated 89-91 points (Very Good). A reliable, consistently well-made Crianza that over-delivers on quality, balancing traditional Rioja character with modern approachability.
Production Methods
Destemmed grapes undergo controlled temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks with traditional pump-overs to extract color and soft tannins, followed by malolactic fermentation and barrel aging.
Terroir
A mosaic of soils across Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, combining clay-limestone and alluvial soils that impart both elegance and structure. The continental climate with Atlantic influences ensures cool nights that preserve grape acidity.
History & Heritage
Marqués de Cáceres was founded with the vision of modernizing Rioja by integrating Bordeaux-trained expertise, revolutionizing wine hygiene, oak management, and bottle aging before market release.
Interesting Facts
The winery was named after the great-grandfather of the eighth Marquis of Cáceres as an honorary title, and it was one of the first in Rioja to use high-quality French oak alongside traditional American oak.
Cellaring Potential
Best enjoyed within 3 to 6 years of the vintage (2025-2028) while primary fruit characteristics remain fresh and vibrant.
Similar Wines
CVNE Cune Crianza, Muga Crianza, El Coto Crianza, Campo Viejo Reserva.