MARQUES DE RISCAL GRAN RESERVA RIOJA 2017
| Grape: | 90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo |
| Vineyard: | Marqués de Riscal |
| Origin: | Rioja, Spain |
| ABV%: | 15% |
| Colour: | Intense dark-cherry red colour |
| Aromas: |
Complex, balsamic, aromatic intensity with hints of black pepper and cinnamon. |
| Flavours: | Rich and full on the palate, good structure and great concentration of tannins. |
Region
La Rioja, a region in Spain, is renowned for its iconic wines that bear its name. This region comprises three primary districts: Alta and Alavesa in the north, characterized by their higher altitudes, and the warm, arid Oriental district in the south, formerly known as Rioja Baja. While the primary red grape varieties include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo, there are also instances of international grape varieties being used. Rioja wines stand out due to their traditional aging classification system, which emphasizes extended aging in oak barrels.
Producer
Tracing back to 1858, the Marques de Riscal, then living in Bordeaux, employed a French winemaker to elevate the local winemaking techniques. By 1862, they achieved a milestone by producing the first bottled Rioja wine. Making history again in 1895, Marques de Riscal became the first non-French wine to earn the diploma of honour at the Bordeaux Exhibition. Presently, the company possesses nearly 600 hectares of vineyards spanning La Rioja, Rueda, and Castilla y Leon. Since 2006, Marques de Riscal introduced "The City of Wine," a state-of-the-art winery complemented by a hotel, a creation of renowned architect Frank O. Gehry.
Tasting Notes
The Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva, exclusively produced in exceptional vintages, celebrated its 150th anniversary with its 2016 release. This wine, characterized by a profound dark cherry hue, offers a sophisticated aroma, combining toasted and balsamic notes with hints of black pepper and cinnamon. The palate is indulged with its richness, structural integrity, dense tannin concentration, and a prolonged, silky finish. The wine's profound intensity stems from vines aged 80 years, and its luxurious richness is a result of 30 months in French Oak, followed by 3 additional years in the bottle, perfecting its velvety tannins.
Food Pairing
Recommended accompaniments include ham, mature cheeses, succulent red meats, roasted dishes, and hearty game casseroles.
Accolades
- 97 Points: Guía Proensa, 2022
- 93 Points: Tim Atkin, 2022
- 99 Points: Wine Enthusiast, 2022.