{"product_id":"2020-sierra-cantabria-magico","title":"2020 Sierra Cantabria Mágico","description":"\u003cp\u003e2020 Sierra Cantabria Mágico is one of Rioja’s true cult treasures – a rare, single-vineyard red from pre-phylloxera vines that captures the soul of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in a single bottle. Sourced from just 1.18 hectares in the historic El Vardallo (Las Sepulturas) vineyard, it marries time-honoured field-blend tradition with meticulous, modern craftsmanship. This is an ultra-limited, collector-worthy wine that showcases the magical depth old vines and mixed plantings can still achieve in Rioja.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Sierra Cantabria Mágico 2020 shows a fresh, luminous cherry-red colour with brilliant reflections that hint at both concentration and vibrancy. The nose is strikingly complex and refined, offering layers of ripe blueberries, wild cherries and redcurrants interwoven with notes of fine tobacco, cedar wood, graphite, and subtle toasted and mineral nuances from its élevage in new French oak.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is intense yet supremely elegant, with a silken, almost velvety texture. The interplay of ripe red and blue fruit is framed by beautifully integrated smoky and spicy notes, while the old-vine field blend adds nuance and depth rather than weight. Tannins are ultra-fine and polished, giving structure without harshness, and the acidity is perfectly tuned, lending lift and length to a very long, layered finish. Still decidedly youthful, this 2020 has the concentration, balance and tannin quality to age gracefully for 15–25 years or more in a proper cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEl Vardallo, also known as Las Sepulturas, is a tiny 1.18-hectare plot in San Vicente de la Sonsierra that was miraculously spared from the phylloxera crisis of the early 20th century. Some vines exceed 150 years of age and, in the traditional Rioja way, the vineyard is a true field blend: predominantly red varieties (around 65% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, with small amounts of Graciano, Petit Bouschet and others) interplanted with white grapes (Calagraño, Turruntés from Rioja and Viura\/Macabeo). The soils are sandy loam with low organic matter over a subsoil rich in iron and calcareous clay, crucial for water retention, with bedrock close below; the climate is continental with Atlantic influences, moderated by the Sierra Cantabria mountain range. The vineyard is worked entirely by hand and ploughed by horse, following biodynamic principles to preserve biodiversity and the soil microbiome, with natural fertilisation every second year. All varieties are hand-harvested, destemmed and rigorously sorted. Except for Garnacha, the grapes are lightly crushed and macerated in small wooden vats, while Garnacha is fermented and macerated separately in a wooden cask (around 21 days maceration for the main blend, 15 days for Garnacha). Malolactic fermentation takes place in new French oak barriques: the main components in a combination of one 500 L and four 225 L barrels, and the Garnacha in a separate 500 L barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a refined, high-end Rioja that pairs beautifully with dishes that match its complexity and finesse. Think roasted lamb with herbs, slow-braised beef cheeks, pigeon or duck, venison with wild mushrooms, or aged hard cheeses such as Manchego, Comté or Parmigiano Reggiano. It also shines alongside richly flavoured Mediterranean cuisine – grilled Iberian pork, lamb shank, or truffled risottos. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Bordeaux-style glasses to allow the bouquet to fully unfold. Decanting is strongly recommended: open 1–2 hours in advance in its youth to soften the tannins and release the aromatic layers; older bottles will benefit from a gentler, shorter decant just to remove sediment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSierra Cantabria is part of the famed Eguren family’s portfolio, one of Rioja’s most respected and influential wine dynasties. Based in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, they have been crafting wine for generations and are known for elevating single-vineyard expressions and old-vine plots to international acclaim, both in Rioja and in Toro (with icons such as Teso La Monja). Their work has helped redefine the image of Rioja from a region of blends to one capable of world-class, terroir-driven wines. In 2012, Wine Enthusiast named Hermanos Eguren ‘Winemaker of the Year’, underlining their global reputation for excellence. Sierra Cantabria Mágico is their ambitious statement from Rioja – a rare, almost otherworldly wine that embodies the family’s quest to preserve heritage vineyards and push quality to its absolute peak.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sierra Cantabria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251801510225,"sku":"GCW-SIER-20201","price":450.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2020_Sierra_Cantabria_Mgico.png?v=1783441502","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2020-sierra-cantabria-magico","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}