Costanilla Rioja Tempranillo 2015 by Marqués de Cáceres
Red wine, specifically a medium-to-full-bodied Rioja Tempranillo. The style is focused on youthful fruit and approachability, characterized by the 'Vino de Autor' or modern style rather than the heavily oxidized traditional style. · Marqués de Cáceres. Founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner, this winery is a household name in Spain and a pioneer in the modernization of Rioja. It is family-owned and maintains a reputation for high-quality, consistent wines with a global reach. While known for their traditional Reserva and Gran Reserva, the Costanilla label represents a contemporary, accessible project designed to showcase fruit purity.
Vintage: 2015. This was an excellent, high-quality vintage in Rioja. The season was characterized by a warm summer and ideal ripening conditions, leading to wines with great concentration, balanced acidity, and ripe tannins. It is widely considered a superior vintage compared to the wetter 2013 or 2014.
Type
Red wine, specifically a medium-to-full-bodied Rioja Tempranillo. The style is focused on youthful fruit and approachability, characterized by the 'Vino de Autor' or modern style rather than the heavily oxidized traditional style.
Producer
Marqués de Cáceres. Founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner, this winery is a household name in Spain and a pioneer in the modernization of Rioja. It is family-owned and maintains a reputation for high-quality, consistent wines with a global reach. While known for their traditional Reserva and Gran Reserva, the Costanilla label represents a contemporary, accessible project designed to showcase fruit purity.
Country
Spain, a major Old World wine power. Spain holds the largest area of vineyards globally and is renowned for its tiered aging systems (Crianza, Reserva, etc.) and for producing robust reds that offer exceptional value for money.
Vintage
2015. This was an excellent, high-quality vintage in Rioja. The season was characterized by a warm summer and ideal ripening conditions, leading to wines with great concentration, balanced acidity, and ripe tannins. It is widely considered a superior vintage compared to the wetter 2013 or 2014.
Region & Appellation
Rioja DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada). Rioja is Spain's premier wine region and was the first to receive DOCa status, the highest tier in Spanish wine law. This specific wine likely sourcing from the Rioja Alta sub-region, known for its cooler climate and elegant style.
Grape Varieties
100% Tempranillo. Known as 'Spain's Noble Grape,' Tempranillo provides moderate acidity, plush red fruit flavors (strawberry, cherry), and a savory tobacco/herbaceous quality. In Rioja Alta, it develops a refined structure and longevity.
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby with slight garnet reflections at the rim. The 2015 vintage shows good concentration with clear, viscous legs indicating a healthy alcohol levels and moderate extract.
Aroma Profile
Intense and expressive nose featuring primary red fruits like black cherry and raspberry, complemented by secondary notes of vanilla and toasted coconut from oak aging. Tertiary notes of dried spice, Mediterranean herbs, and a hint of leather are starting to emerge.
Tasting Notes
The palate is smooth and well-structured. It opens with vibrant forest fruits, transitioning into a spiced mid-palate with hints of cocoa. The finish is long and supple, showing polished tannins and a balanced freshness that keeps the wine lively despite its age.
Flavor Profile
Dominant flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and dill. Notes of cinnamon and clove emerge towards the back of the palate, reflecting the use of French and American oak. It possesses a distinct mineral undertone characteristic of limestone-rich Rioja soils.
Body & Texture
Medium-plus body with a velvety, round texture. The mouthfeel is approachable and well-fleshed out, striking a balance between easy-drinking fruitiness and sophisticated structure.
Acidity & Tannins
Bright, integrated acidity that provides lift. The tannins are fine-grained and fully resolved (mature), providing a soft grip that doesn't feel astringent, making it very food-friendly.
Sweetness Level
Dry (typically less than 2 g/L of residual sugar). The fruit ripeness of the 2015 vintage provides a perceived sweetness, but the wine remains bone-dry on the finish.
Alcohol Content
13.5% to 14% ABV. This is typical for Rioja, providing enough warmth to support the body without feeling 'hot' or unbalanced.
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. The French oak provides structure and spice, while the American oak contributes the classic Rioja notes of vanilla and coconut.
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, chorizo-based tapas, mushroom risotto, or aged Manchego cheese. In the summer, it is excellent with smoky BBQ pork or wood-fired pizzas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) in a large Bordeaux glass. A 30-minute decant is recommended to allow the secondary aromas to fully bloom. The 2015 is currently in its prime drinking window.
Price Range
$12 - $18 USD. This is a high-value wine often found in supermarkets like Tesco (UK) or Total Wine (US), offering professional winemaking at an entry-level price point.
Quality Assessment
88-90 points. It is a premium-tier 'super-supermarket' wine that punches above its weight. It is noted for its consistency and for being a very accurate representation of the 2015 vintage character.
Production Methods
Harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in tank before the wine is transferred to oak barrels for mellowing and flavor integration.
Terroir
The grapes grow in clay-limestone soils typical of the Ebro Valley. The location benefits from the confluence of Atlantic and Mediterranean climates, which ensures slow ripening and excellent aromatic development.
History & Heritage
Marqués de Cáceres was instrumental in the 'Rioja revolution' of the 70s, moving away from long periods of barrel aging in old casks toward cleaner, fruitier styles. The Costanilla brand is a modern expansion intended to appeal to the global palate.
Interesting Facts
The fan on the label is a 'pericón,' a traditional Spanish accessory used in Flamenco dance, symbolizing the cultural heritage and 'soul' of Spanish winemaking associated with the brand.
Cellaring Potential
This wine is at its peak right now (2024). While it will hold for another 2-3 years, the fruit will start to fade in favor of dried herbal notes from 2027 onwards; it is best enjoyed for its current balance of fruit and spice.
Similar Wines
Campo Viejo Reserva, Cune Crianza, or Vivanco Tempranillo. It would appeal to drinkers who enjoy Argentinian Malbec or Australian Shiraz but want more acidity and savory complexity.