Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2021

Marqués de Riscal Reserva is one of the most famous wines in Spain, due to its long history, consistent high quality and also for the many literary references it has inspired over the years.  Very versatile and a faithful example of a Rioja wine, Marqués de Riscal Reserva has been enjoyed for generations by wine lovers all over the world, and praised by celebrities from the world of the arts and culture such as Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dalí and Frederick Forsyth. Today it can be found in over 100 countries, and it is regarded as a benchmark for Rioja red wines.  

Marqués de Riscal Reserva is made of a minimum of 90% Tempranillo along with Graciano. The Tempranillo vines were mostly planted before the 1970s, grown in the best clay-limestone soils of the Rioja Alavesa. This variety withstands oak- and bottle aging well thanks to its good balance of acidity and fine tannin. The Graciano variety, whose presence in the blend does not exceed 10%, provides freshness and vibrancy of color. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature and the maceration time is never more than 12 days. Riscal reservas spend around two years in American Oak Barrels, 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; time enough to show how much complexity tempranillo is able to achieve.