Unmistakably the most prominent white grape grown in Rioja, Macabeo is also commonly known as Viura. You have likely tried Macabeo without even knowing, as it is frequently used as a blending grape in Cava sparkling wine. This doesn't mean that Macabeo can't shine on its own though. Known for its herbaceous, floral, and oaky attributes, Macabeo is a wonderful option for those oaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio fans who want to branch out a little.
 
This particular bottle from winemaker Jorge Navascues' 'Cutio' line is the perfect place to start your Macabeo exploration. The son of renowned oenologist and wine critic Mariano Navascues, Jorge is following closely in his father's footsteps and creating outstanding wines. With the 'Cutio' line, from the Aragon dialect word meaning "eternal", Jorge has created a lineup of wines that are both his own interpretation of Spain's wine stars, as well as the traditional grapes that thrive in his native country.
 
VINEYARD 
The vines have been cultivated on clay and calcareous soil. Each year an analysis of boththe soil and leaves is undertaken, so that each plot is best utilised. Systematic prunings areheld to obtain a balance between leaf surface and fruit. Night-time harvest is carried out at the optimal point of ripeness. 
 
WINEMAKING
Pre-fermentation maceration took place at low temperatures,before temperature controlled fermentation with pumpovers and ‘delestages’. 50% of thewine was aged in new oak barrels for four months.It exhibits a dense ruby/purple-tinged colour as well as delicious, crunchy black cherry andraspberry fruit with notes of cocoa and vanilla, thanks to a short period in oak barrels. Thismedium to full-bodied, pure, fruity, savoury Grenache should drink well for three years.
 
TASTING NOTES
It exhibits are dense ruby/purple-tinged colour as well as delicious, crunchy black cherry and raspberry fruit with notes of cocoa and vanilla, thanks to a short period in oak barrels. This medium to full-bodied, pure, fruity, savoury Grenache should drink well for three years.