{"title":"Bodegas Martinez","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"bodegas-martinez-cepas-antiguas-rioja","title":"Bodegas Martinez Cepas Antiguas Rioja","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBodegas Martinez Cepas Antiguas Rioja\u003c\/strong\u003e is an old-vine Tempranillo from Rioja Alta, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from head-pruned vines ranging from 40 to 100 years of age at Bodegas Martínez Corta in Uruñuela, this expression stands apart from most entry-level Rioja by emphasizing pure fruit character with little to no oak influence — a deliberate contrast to the heavily oaked style the region is often known for.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Rioja Alta, Spain  |  Old-Vine Tempranillo  |  Producer: Bodegas Martínez Corta\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodegas Martínez Corta operates from a gravity-flow bodega in Uruñuela, a village situated in the western reaches of Rioja Alta — a sub-region prized for its higher altitude and Atlantic-influenced climate. The \"Cepas Antiguas\" bottling draws from old, head-pruned (en vaso) Tempranillo vines, a traditional training method that naturally limits yields and concentrates flavor. Unlike many Rioja wines that rely on extended barrel aging, this expression sees minimal oak contact, allowing the fruit and terroir of those ancient vines to remain front and center.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e A bright, inviting nose opens with ripe blueberry and red cherry before deepening into roasted plum. Underneath, subtle layers of cinnamon, clove, and a whisper of vanilla emerge as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft and generous, led by cassis and dark plum that coat the palate. Mid-palate, savory elements develop alongside warm baking spice, while pronounced but well-integrated tannins provide structure. The overall impression is rich and velvety, with more concentration than you might expect from a wine at this level.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a refreshing lift that keeps the dark fruit from turning heavy. Lingering notes of cinnamon and subtle earthiness close things out cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Cepas Antiguas\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best served at cellar temperature, around 60–64°F, and benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing time to let the fruit fully unfold. Its fruit-forward, low-oak profile also makes it a versatile option for food-friendly cocktails and wine-based drinks. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well with an old-vine Tempranillo due to its dark fruit backbone. A \u003cstrong\u003eTinto de Verano\u003c\/strong\u003e — red wine with lemon soda — highlights the wine's natural freshness for warm-weather drinking. For a more refined serve, use it in a \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with stone fruit and cinnamon sticks, which amplifies the spice notes already present in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners where you want something more interesting than a generic table wine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Rioja who prefers fruit-driven reds over heavily oaked styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpanish-themed dinner parties built around tapas and grilled meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a case of everyday wines with genuine character and provenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Cepas Antiguas taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers ripe blueberry, cassis, and roasted plum flavors layered with warm cinnamon and clove spice. The tannins are pronounced but the overall texture is soft and velvety, finishing with a refreshing lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Cepas Antiguas compare to CUNE Crianza Rioja?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both hail from Rioja Alta, but they represent fundamentally different winemaking philosophies — CUNE Crianza sees 12 months in American and French oak, giving it a more traditional vanilla-and-toast character, while Cepas Antiguas relies on old-vine concentration with minimal oak, resulting in a purer fruit expression. Cepas Antiguas tends to drink rounder and more immediately fruit-forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cepas Antiguas good for everyday sipping?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its approachable tannins and generous fruit make it an easy wine to open on any given evening without requiring extended decanting or a special occasion to justify it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Cepas Antiguas made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Bodegas Martínez Corta in the village of Uruñuela, located in the Rioja Alta sub-region of northern Spain. Rioja Alta sits at higher elevation with Atlantic climate influence, which tends to produce wines with bright acidity and aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Cepas Antiguas?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's dark fruit and spice; chorizo and manchego tapas echo its savory warmth; slow-braised short ribs match its velvety texture; roasted red pepper dishes complement its ripe berry notes; and semi-cured sheep's milk cheese bridges the wine's fruit and tannin beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Cepas Antiguas come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cepas Antiguas worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions firmly in the value tier for Rioja, yet the old-vine sourcing (40–100 year-old vines) and gravity-flow winemaking deliver a level of concentration and complexity that punches well above what you'd typically find at this price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Cepas Antiguas?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe real draw here is the vine age. Fruit from 40- to 100-year-old, head-pruned Tempranillo vines naturally yields more concentrated, expressive wine than younger plantings — and that character comes through clearly in the glass. By keeping oak influence to a minimum, Bodegas Martínez Corta lets that old-vine intensity speak for itself, which is a bold choice in a region where barrel-aged designations (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva) dominate the conversation. The gravity-flow bodega further protects the fruit by reducing the need for mechanical pumping during production. For drinkers who want authentic Rioja Alta Tempranillo without the heavy vanillin veneer, this is one of the more honest expressions in its price range.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Martinez","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837773344937,"sku":"29722","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Bodegas-Martinez-Cepas-Antiguas-Rioja__74228.jpg?v=1730494072"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/bodegas-martinez.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}