Macán Clássico 2022 (Vega Sicilia & Rothschild)

This is a prestigious red from Rioja, Spain, made by the partnership between Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild and Vega Sicilia.

The Wine Advocate
RP 94

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

They had to adjust the picking dates for the grapes used in the 2022 Macán Clásico, prioritising freshness over density, which meant the earliest harvest in the region, starting on 11 September, 10 days earlier than in 2021. They were also careful with oak ageing to achieve good integration of wood and wine, resulting in a juicier, rounder wine, a more hedonistic vintage. It has perhaps 1% Garnacha, up to 6% in some lots, picked very early, or “very green”, according to winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga.

The wine has restrained ripeness and 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.78 and 4.75 grams of acidity. This is the first year with 100% wild yeasts, and the wine aged in barrels, only 5% American and 30% used, for 10 months, with 25% in stainless steel. It shows the heat and ripeness of the year, especially compared with the 2021 Macán I tasted alongside, but the results are much better than expected, with a harmonious nose, balanced palate and very fine tannins. Overall, it's a triumph over the year's adverse conditions. 236,067 bottles, 2,110 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in June 2024.

At Vega Sicilia's joint venture with Benjamin de Rothschild in Rioja, they first used the new fermentation hall in 2016, when they introduced 4,000- and 4,500-litre oak foudres. In 2017 they began separating the different qualities of their press wines; in 2020 they introduced Garnacha and Graciano; in 2021 they introduced 21,000-litre oak vats for élevage; in 2022 they began fermenting with indigenous yeasts; and in 2025 they began experimenting with whole-berry fermentation and some whole bunches.

They own 92 hectares in the villages of Ábalos, Labastida, El Villar and San Vicente de la Sonsierra, with average production of 350,000 bottles a year. They're selling some land they don't consider suitable for their wines and acquiring new plots.

Published: 15 January 2026