Marqués de Cáceres Gaudium Rioja Reserva 2018

A very special Rioja made from 70+ year vines, by the renowned Marqués de Cáceres estate. Some of the vines are even pre-phylloxera vines of over 100 years old. Extremely low yields of less than 1 kg of grapes per plant. Plots are staggered at various altitudes, ranging between 400 and 650m in Rioja Alta and in terraces up to 740m in Rioja Alavesa. The soils are clayey limestone on limestone rock on steep ravines that are only used for the cultivation of small vineyards. 

The grapes for Gaudium are handpicked then cooled in cold chambers at the winery before careful sorting takes place by hand on a sorting table (a very Burgundian technique for Pinot Noir). Using gravity vatting, with no pumping over, slow whole grain fermentation in small stainless steel tanks and wooden vats with indigenous yeasts. Prolonged maceration, but avoiding over-extraction. Malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels. All movements by gravity and with the utmost care. Aged 18 months minimum in new barrels of fine grained and extra fine French oak, selected from the best forests, finished with a respectful medium toasting. In this vintage, 125 new French oak barrels were used.                 

Intense burgundy color, with dark highlights. On the nose it reveals depth, complexity, intensity and a spectrum of aromas that unfold in the glass. It leaves sensations of toasted and roasted notes which blend with luscious black fruit and complex spicy flavors. A powerful palate, where the elegance of smooth tannins, with toasted notes and enveloping fruit are harmoniously expressed. A signature wine of great character, whose distinctive elegance has earned its international acknowledgement for excellence.