Marqués de Riscal

XR Rioja Reserva 2020

Rioja Reserva DOCa

Trade Tools

At Marqués de Riscal, there used to be “winemaker’s wines” among its historic reservas, like the Reserva Medoc and the XR, which never became commercial names. In the tradition of the cellarmasters from Bordeaux that have long been part of Riscal’s story, the winemaker marked some of the barrels in chalk with the letters XR (Extra Reserva) as a consequence of having found special characteristics which were not present in other wines. These wines were never sold but served as a reference point for the winemaker. This custom lasted almost a century, between the harvests of 1869 and 1964. In 2015, Marqués de Risca released a wine named XR, paying tribute to all the master winemakers who have helped to forge a part of the greatest history of Spanish wine in Marqués de Riscal.

Vintage

A hot and rainy autumn led to rapid development in the spring; harvest began on September 10, with above-average ripeness.

Tasting Note

Intense black-cherry color with good depth of color and hardly any signs of evolution. Very expressive aromas on the nose with notes of liquorice, 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 easy to drink on the palate, good backbone and lovely, polished tannins.

Food Pairing

This wine goes well with ham, mild cheeses, rich pastas, poultry, grilled red meats or roasts.

Color

Red

Blend %

95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano

Appellation

Rioja Reserva DOCa

Alcohol

15.00%

Suggested Retail Price

$46.99

More on Marqués de Riscal XR Rioja Reserva 2020

Marqués de Riscal: Finding new life in old vines

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Trade Materials

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