Marqués de Riscal
Baron de Chirel Rioja 2020
Rioja
Born in 1986 from the Marqués de Riscal’s close relationship to some of the top winemakers in Bordeaux, the Barón de Chirel in many ways kicked off a new era of Rioja. Chosen from very old (80-110 years), low-yielding parcels of high-altitude Tempranillo and Cabernet vines around Elciego, these grapes undergo a meticulous process of selection before a special vinification process. The care that goes into this wine has cemented its prestige among discerning customers.
VINEYARD
Barón de Chirel grows from five old-vine parcels ranging from 450-550 meters above sea level around Elciego. The vines range in age from 80- to 110- years and have incredibly low yields. The soils are chalky clay and gravelly terraces with limestone bedrock.
WINEMAKING
Each plot ferments separately in French Allier oak vats. These fine-grained vessels hold the wine as it completes malolactic conversion, after which the wine is transferred to French Allier oak barrels where it ages for 16 months. After bottling, it rests for another 20 months before release.
VINTAGE
A hot and rainy autumn led to rapid development in the spring; harvest began on September 10, resulting in what many critics are hailing as the greatest vintage of the last decade.
TASTING NOTE
Great aromatic intensity of black fruits, graphite, minerality and violets. A hint of leather blows off with some air, and the wood is well-integrated. A dense and rich core of flavor shows lively and ripe tannins which will polish over time.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine goes well with ham, mild cheeses, rich pastas, poultry, grilled red meats or roasts.
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Tempranillo
Appellation
Rioja
Alcohol
15.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$147.99
Reviews
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
XR Rioja Reserva
Rioja
A tribute to the long line of winemakers who have presided over the cellars of Marqués de Riscal who would mark special barrels with “X R” for “Extra Reserva.” The first vintage released in 2015; a blend of Tempranillo with Graciano aged in American oak for over two years.
Verdejo Organic Rueda
Rueda
Marqués de Riscal was the pioneer in developing the Rueda region, as they saw an area with the soils, climate, and grape (Verdejo) to produce fresh, balanced white wines. This 100% organic wine comes from Riscal's estate vineyards, is crafted with minimal intervention, and is an attractive and delightful wine that exhibits the classic aromatic intensity and bright acidity of the variety.
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja
A timeless wine made in the traditional style of wines from the Rioja Alavesa region, and a reflection of the founder’s aspirations in the 19th century: a wine of great intensity and concentration yet utterly refined. Able to keep for 50 years or more; a wine for eternity.
Frank Gehry Selection
Rioja
Frank Gehry designed the Hotel Marqués de Riscal in his signature style, putting an indelible mark on the winery. This wine, a selection of estate vineyards at least 80 years old, is for slow drinking, to enjoy with friends over the course of a few days. It harkens back to the Riscal style of the beginning of the 20th century, and its tannic backbone and marked acidity mean it will age into the 21st century beautifully.
150 Aniversario Rioja
Rioja
Originally made for the bodega’s 150th anniversary, this wine is only made in exceptional vintages. The 1883 cellar where this wine is made has been refurbished in the intervening century and a half, marrying tradition and modernity in its large wooden vats and state-of-the-art sorting table. Vigorous, vibrant and more powerful than the rest of the classic Riojas, it is plush and round yet easy to drink.
Rioja Rosado
Rioja
Marqués de Riscal has produced outstanding rosé for over 60 years. Made from Tempranillo and Viura, this is the product of the young vines of the estate and has an uncommon combination of delicacy, freshness and refinement. Refreshing and with immediate appeal due to its natural fruitiness, the wine has lovely fresh flavors that unwind through its long, silky palate.
Arienzo Rioja Crianza
Rioja
Arienzo is a Crianza made from Tempranillo grown only in Rioja Alavesa, benefiting from the cooling effect of the Sierra Cantabria mountain range, and making it Marqués de Riscal’s first Vino de Zona. It is also the remarkable result of Riscal’s own vineyards and long term contract vineyards they manage, from a combination of pre-1970 plantings and their revolutionary program of grafting high quality old vine material to younger vines. It is the purest essence of Rioja with the highest standards of quality.
Rioja Reserva
Rioja
The iconic, classical Rioja known the world over. Crafted from old-vine Tempranillo with 10% or less of Graciano. Two years in American oak produces a fresh, fine, elegant and immensely food-friendly wine.
