Marqués de Riscal
Rioja Reserva 2021
Rioja Reserva DOCa
VINEYARD
Marques de Riscal’s important vineyards holdings and long term contracts are focused around a specific quality approach. For their Reservas they work exclusively with old vines, from before the 1970s, as they firmly believe that these are critical for the delicate Tempranillo grape to achieve appropriate concentration. They work in the coolest area of Rioja (Rioja Alavesa), at elevation, on soils that accentuate freshness and detail, and with around 10% Graciano; these factors bring forward the winery’s trademark vibrancy, refinement, and aging potential.
WINEMAKING
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 with a small percentage in French oak, 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.
VINTAGE
The 2020 vintage is one of the finest in recent years. A warm, rainy autumn and early budburst on April 7 led to rapid growth. A June hailstorm hit Navaridas, and summer conditions raised fungal risks, requiring extra care. Harvest started September 10, yielding grapes rich in color compounds and sugar—hallmarks of a high-quality vintage.
TASTING NOTE
Expressive aromas on the nose with notes of licorice, cinnamon and black pepper, with just a subtle hint of the long cask aging, thanks to its great complexity and ripe, concentrated fruit. Fresh and supple on the palate, good backbone and lovely, po
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Tempranillo
Appellation
Rioja Reserva DOCa
Alcohol
14.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$28.99
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
XR Rioja Reserva
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A tribute to the long line of winemakers that presided over the cellars of Marqués de Riscal who, in Bordelaise tradition, 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
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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
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Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva is a timeless wine which represents almost two centuries of winemaking skill. It has the traditional style of the Rioja Alavesa, with an elegance to its complex concentration, and recalls the aspirations of the founders of the bodega back in the 19th century. It is the wine made today that is a direct link to the bottles found in Riscal’s historical cellar, the largest such cellar in Europe with a collection of over 140,000 bottles dating back to 1860.
Frank Gehry Selection
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A wine destined to write some of the most beautiful pages of Rioja wine in the 21st century. It takes its name from one of the greatest architects of modern times and the creator of the emblematic Hotel Marqués de Riscal. From vineyards of over 80 years, the Frank Gehry Selección is a wine of pure hedonism. When it is made, production is between 3,000-5,000 bottles.
150 Aniversario Rioja
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Marqués de Riscal 150 Aniversario Gran Reserva is made only in exceptional vintages, celebrating the winery’s 150-year legacy and Rioja Alavesa’s winemaking tradition. Sourced from 80+ year-old, low-yielding vines, it delivers concentrated, expressive fruit. More powerful than classic Riojas, it remains elegant, resisting trends in favor of authenticity. Combining tradition and modernity, complexity and freshness, it stands as the truest expression of Rioja Alavesa.
Rioja Rosado
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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.
Baron di Chirel Rioja
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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.
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, transcending the Crianza category.
