The Macán Experience at Arros QD

An afternoon exploring the vision, vineyards and vintages behind a distinctive expression of Rioja Alavesa.

What happens when two families with deep winemaking traditions come together around a shared ambition? At Arros QD, we had the opportunity to explore the answer through Macán: the joint venture between Tempos Vega Sicilia and Benjamin de Rothschild, created to offer a distinctive modern expression of Rioja Alavesa.

A story told from the estate

We were delighted to welcome Ignacio Calvo de Mora, director of the Macán estate, for an afternoon dedicated to the project’s origins, philosophy and sense of place. Hearing the story directly from Ignacio gave the event a special perspective, connecting the vision behind the partnership with the character of the wines in the glass.

From vineyard to glass

During a sommelier masterclass, Ignacio guided us through the vineyards and the meticulous winemaking that shape both Macán Clásico and Macán. The tasting brought the relationship between the two wines into focus: Macán Clásico offers an approachable freshness, while Macán reveals greater depth and structure. Together, they provided a compelling introduction to the thinking behind the estate.

The masterclass culminated in a vertical tasting across five vintages. Tasting the wines side by side offered a fascinating way to consider how each vintage expresses itself and how the style develops over time, while the estate’s underlying identity remains clear.

A Spanish lunch designed around the wines

The experience continued over a delicious Spanish lunch created by the team at Arros QD. Each dish was paired with the wines, allowing the freshness, depth and structure explored in the masterclass to be experienced in a different setting around the table.

It was a memorable opportunity to delve deeper into one of Rioja’s most distinctive modern projects – a day that brought together the people, place, craft and hospitality that make wines come alive. Thank-yous are due to Ignacio for his infectious energy and passion, to Arros QD for their fantastic hospitality, and to our brilliant guests.

Masterclass wines

• Macán Clásico 2022
• Macán Clásico 2021
• Macán Clásico 2019
• Macán 2020
• Macán 2019
• Macán 2018 (in Magnum)

Lunch menu and wine pairings

• Aperitif: Mandolás Dry Furmint 2023, Oremus
• Entrée: Lamb chops, carob and black garlic mole negro, smoked cauliflower purée and pistachio crumbs

100% acorn-fed Ibérico, with leek ashes, Jerusalem artichoke purée and crisps

Paired with Macán Clásico 2021

• Main Course: Black Angus short rib rice, morels, veal and herb stock

Paired with Macán 2019

• To finish:

Basque cheesecake with gorgonzola

Olavidia cheese

Paired with Tokaji Aszú 3 Puttonyos 2016, Oremus

Please contact Nancy Green nancy.green@berkmann.co.uk, Senior Brand Manager, for more information about the wines.