Marqués de Riscal Reserva wines are predominantly made from grapes from Tempranillo vines over 15 years of age, grown in the best clay-limestone soils of the Rioja Alavesa. This variety withstands oak- and bottle ageing well thanks to its good balance of acidity and fine tannin. The Graciano and Mazuelo varieties, whose presence in the blend does not exceed 10%, provide crispness and a lively colour. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 26ºC and the maceration time is never more than 12 days. Riscal Reservas spend around two years in American-oak casks, producing a wine which corresponds to the classic Rioja style: fresh, fine, elegant and very suitable for laying down for many years. Before release for sale it spends a minimum of one year rounding off in the bottle.
Cask ageing 26 months.
Tasting notes A dark cherry colour with good depth. Balsamic aromas with hints of ripe fruit, complex and spicy. The attack is fresh and light, with soft, rounded tannins. The finish proves persistent with some reminders of toasted oak. Its passage through the mouth is pleasant and elegant, fresh and easy to drink.
What the critics say...
Peñin Guide: 91 points(01/01/2011)
Dark cherry color. Aroma of ripe fruit, spices, aromatic coffee, complex, varietal. Palate: powerful, rich, structured, complex, creamy, spicy.
Pairing: Beef, Game Animals, Grilled Red Meats, Roasts, Stews.
In 1858, Don Guillermo Hurtado de Amézaga, Marqués de Riscal, diplomat, journalist and free-thinker, a resident of Bordeaux since 1836 and owner of vineyards and a winery on the Torrea Estate (Elciego), was asked by the Diputación Foral de Álava to hire a French wine expert to train local producers... in the winemaking techniques used in the Médoc.
Don Camilo hired Jean Pineau, a winemaker at Château Lanessan, on behalf of the Diputación, a consultancy for the Alava winemakers.
Wines of the Herederos de Marqués de Riscal has always been a leading and pioneering company in the wine producing sector.
As far back as 1858, it became the first winery in the Rioja to produce wines following the Bordeaux method and in 1972, it was the first winery to promote the Rueda Designation of Origin, where it produced its famous Marqués de Riscal white wines.
Marqués de Riscal sells its products in over 70 countries and its wines enjoy the highest international distinctions as well as numerous awards and mentions in the media.
In the XXI century, Herederos del Marqués de Riscal is still writing its history with the “Ciudad del Vino”, a project that is a milestone in the way to understand the world of wine.
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