Marqués de Riscal : Gran Reserva 2019

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 2019

Tasting

Appearance
This wine reveals a deep cherry-red colour, enhanced by delicate violet highlights.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet proves particularly complex. It offers beautiful balsamic notes that intertwine harmoniously with fruity aromas and subtle toasted touches.

Palate
On the palate, the texture is silky and generously fruity. It is built on a fine concentration of tannins, delivering a rounded mouthfeel that unfolds towards a finish of remarkable persistence.

Food and wine pairings
This Rioja Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva will pair wonderfully with roasted red meats, game stews, as well as fine charcuterie such as ham or a platter of mature cheeses.

Serving and ageing
To fully appreciate this Rioja Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for one to two hours before tasting is advised to release all its aromas. With its fine structure, it has a very promising ageing potential over the next ten to twenty years.

The elegance of a great Spanish red wine crafted by Marqués de Riscal

The estate
Officially founded in 1858 in Elciego, in the heart of La Rioja Alavesa, Marqués de Riscal is a true winemaking icon. A pioneer in introducing Bordeaux ageing methods to Spain, this illustrious name has elevated its wines to international renown. Today, the estate is still owned by the family company Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, which brings together the founder's descendants. The property embodies the excellence and unique identity of great Spanish wines built for ageing.

The vineyard
The grapes come from historic plots located in Rioja Alavesa, cultivated on predominantly clay-limestone terroirs. The estate draws on its own land as well as that of long-standing local grower partners. The vines, over 80 years old and often trained in the traditional bush vine system, benefit from a climate influenced by Atlantic and Mediterranean currents, ensuring slow, high-quality berry ripening.

The vintage
The 2019 vintage stood out for an overall warm yet remarkably balanced climate. Cool nights helped preserve a fine natural acidity. The growing cycle unfolded steadily, with flowering and veraison proceeding without incident. Optimal health conditions and moderate yields favoured the harvest of healthy, perfectly concentrated berries.

Winemaking and ageing
After meticulous hand-harvesting, the bunches undergo a rigorous double sorting in the vineyard and then at the winery. The berries are then destemmed before beginning fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks. The ageing of this Rioja Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva takes place over 24 months in French oak barrels. Finally, the wine benefits from a long additional ageing in bottle in the estate's cellars before being released for sale.

Grape varieties
This cuvée is mostly made from Tempranillo, complemented by other indigenous grape varieties.