Marqués de Riscal : Gran Reserva 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Gran Reserva 2018 from Marqués de Riscal

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays an intense black cherry color with violet highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals a beautiful aromatic complexity with balsamic and lightly toasted notes. The bouquet opens up to aromas of dark fruits, sweet spices, licorice, and tobacco notes, reflecting a masterful aging process.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and concentrated, with a smooth texture and polished, rounded tannins. The structure is elegant, supported by a lovely freshness that brings balance. The finish lingers at length with persistent balsamic undertones.

Food and wine pairing

This Gran Reserva 2018 pairs perfectly with aged cheeses, Iberian cured meats, grilled or roasted red meats, game in sauce, and traditional legume dishes.

A classic and elegant Gran Reserva from La Rioja

The estate

Founded in 1858 by Guillermo Hurtado de Amézaga, Marqués de Riscal is one of the most iconic estates in La Rioja. A pioneer in introducing Bordeaux winemaking methods to Spain, it was the first to market bottled wine in the region as early as 1862. Today, the estate remains under the control of the founding family and their heirs. With 540 hectares of estate-owned vineyards and 900 hectares under contract in Rioja Alavesa, Marqués de Riscal has established itself as a world-class benchmark, crowned in 2024 with the title of Best Vineyard in the World.

The vineyard

The Gran Reserva 2018 comes from plots located in Rioja Alavesa, the northernmost and coolest sub-region of the appellation. The Tempranillo vines, over 80 years old, are planted on clay-limestone soils characteristic of this area. The high altitude and Atlantic influence give the grapes remarkable natural acidity and aromatic concentration. The estate practices sustainable viticulture with a gradual conversion to organic and regenerative farming, promoting biodiversity and vine resilience in the face of climate change.

Winemaking and aging

After a rigorous selection of the best plots, the Gran Reserva 2018 was vinified using traditional methods. This Spanish wine was then aged for 28 months in French oak barrels, followed by three years of bottle aging before release, totaling nearly six years of maturation. This extended aging period allows the wine to develop its aromatic complexity and refine its tannic structure.

Grape varieties

Tempranillo (80%)
Graciano, Mazuelo (20%)