Rioja was the first wine region in Spain to obtain the DO in 1925, and also the first one to be granted Doca. With more than 61.000 Has of vines that strech from Labastida to Alfaro, Rioja offers a large amount of different micro-climates, diversity of soils, sun exposures, altitudes, grape varieties, modern/classic wine-making process or something in between.
Sierra Cantabria (wine-grape growers since 1870) represents 160 has of vines in some of the best areas in the northern part of La Rioja – Labastida, San Vicente de La Sonsierra y Paganos ( Laguardia).
Marcos Eguren with Miguel, his brother, are managing this outstanding family estate that produces rare and exclusive parcels’ wines. Traditionally, in La Rioja (and Spain), wines are classified according to the time they spent in oak from Crianza to Gran Reserva. But through time, and they have learned to understand better their vineyards, and after trials they are proud to vinified some of their parcels separately. Although, they do produce some Crianzas, Reservas and Gran Reservas of excellent quality, but the finest wines from Sierra Cantabria are from specific sites or “Climats” as it is called in Burgundy.
The aim is to yield some great wines, with uncommon and unique personality from a well-defined place.
SAN VICENTE
Finca La Canoca
18 Has of vines located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra with Tempranillo Peludo, a low yielding clone of Tempranillo that produces lighter and more perfumed wines. It was almost eradicated, when Guillermo (Marcos’ father) decided to plant it at La Canoca (name of the vineyard) in 1985! Surely highly criticized… The first vintage to be released was 1991, and San Vicente has been, at that time, one of a kind, demonstrating that a new path was possible. Totally destemmed, and aged 20 months in oak – 90% french and 10% American.
Vintage after vintage, the quality improves in elegance and complexity. It is always very persitent, full-bodied with ripe tannins, perfumed and scented. It ages beautifully too!
COLECCION PRIVADA
Finca Valgrande – 2has
Finca Jararte – 2has
C. Privada is produced from 2 neighbouring vineyards in San Vicente de La Sonsierra, Jararte (planted in 1959) and Valgrande (planted in 1957). Interestingly enough, 50% is carbonic maceration and the other half is traditionally elaborated. Then the wine is aged 18 months in oak, American and French at equal part. The vines a more than 50 years old, and the wine is dark, intense full-bodied with high concentration of ripe fruit but never jammy. Seducing it is very approachable in its youth!
AMANCIO
Finca La Veguilla
Also in San Vicente de La Sonsierra, only the best grapes from this vineyard, called La Veguilla, that were planted in 1975, are used to produced Amancio. The must is fermented in oak vats (5hl), then the wine is aged generally 24 months in new french oak. Amancio is more robust, full-bodied, intense and need times! It is usually very impressive after 8/10 years. It always shows some great complexity but also freshness, sometimes peppery, minty or even some notes of eucalyptus.
EL BOSQUE
Finca El Bosque
With just 1.4 ha of vine and on calcareous/clay, Finca el Bosque has plenty peebles that makes the difference. Planted in 1973, it produces the biggest wines of all, with great extract, texture it is also more than recommended to keep them a few years before enjoying them. If you want appreciate its real character. Lately, we have been able to source some 2009! And they are incredible.
