# Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva (2016)

- **Producer:** Vinos de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €55
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, violet, lavender, toast, vanilla, cedar, chocolate, tobacco, leather

## About this wine

Founded in 1858 in Elciego by Camilo Hurtado de Amézaga, Marqués de Riscal was the pioneer estate that introduced Bordeaux vinification techniques to the Rioja region. The Gran Reserva expression represents the pinnacle of their traditional quality hierarchy, crafted exclusively from low-yielding bush vines averaging over 80 years of age in poor clay-limestone soils of Rioja Alavesa. Famous for its iconic golden wire mesh, the historic estate seamlessly combines centuries of winemaking heritage with modern architectural innovation at their estate in Elciego.

## Interesting facts

- Marqués de Riscal introduced golden wire mesh around bottles in the late 19th century to prevent counterfeiting.
- The winery produced the very first bottled Rioja wine back in 1862.
- Grapes for this Gran Reserva are harvested from bush vines averaging over 80 years old.
- The estate features a futuristic hotel designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.

## Food pairing

The intense concentration, firm structure, and high alcohol of this Gran Reserva require robust foods with ample fat and protein to bind with polyphenols and soften tannin perception. Aged hard cheeses, cured meats, and rich game meats pair exceptionally well, complementing the savory, earthy character of mature oak aging.

## Wine making process

The 2016 vintage underwent temperature-controlled fermentation in oak vats following classic Rioja traditions. The wine was aged for 26 months in fine French oak casks to develop structural complexity, followed by a minimum of 3 additional years of refinement in bottle prior to release.