Marqués de Riscal
Rioja, Spain
Marqués de Riscal is one of Spain’s most celebrated producers, with a persistent focus on quality both in the vineyard and the cellar. Founded in 1858, the winery is located in the village of Elciego, in Rioja Alavesa, where the vineyard elevation contributes to the Riscal wines’ trademark elegance. Riscal is one of the oldest wineries of the Rioja region, and was the very first to establish a winery in Rueda. The estate also proudly presides over the largest historical wine cellar in Europe, with a collection of every vintage dating back to the 1860s.
Today, Riscal owns 540 hectares of vineyards in the sub-area and controls another 900 in the surrounding regions — an impressive amount, considering that all vineyards are under direct management by the estate to ensure the highest possible farming standards. Extensive grafting of select old vines onto young rootstock (a massive undertaking) has ensured that only the most exceptional fruit is produced in each vineyard.
A visit to Rioja would not be complete without experiencing Marqués de Riscal’s world-renowned “City of Wine,” featuring three on-site restaurants (one with a Michelin star) and a luxurious spa, all overseen by the colorful curves of the Frank Gehry-designed hotel that forms part of the estate.
Wines
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.
Arienzo Rioja Crianza
Rioja
Arienzo is a Crianza made from Tempranillo grown only in Rioja Alavesa, making it Marqués de Riscal’s first Vino de Zona. It has the purest essence of a Rioja combined with the highest standards of quality, stepping outside the category. A wine that can be enjoyed on any occasion, tremendously versatile and always offering pleasure.
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.
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.
Baron di Chirel Rioja
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.
Verdejo Organic Rueda
Castile y León
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 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.
150 Aniversario Rioja Gran Reserva
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.
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.
