# Marqués de Riscal Reserva (2022)

- **Producer:** Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Graciano
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, red cherry, black plum, red plum, liquorice, vanilla, cloves, cedar, dried fruit, leather, earth, tobacco, balsamic

## About this wine

Marqués de Riscal Reserva is a benchmark red wine from the DOCa Rioja region of Spain, produced by Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal. The 2022 vintage is primarily composed of Tempranillo with a small percentage of Graciano, sourced from old vines planted before the 1970s in Rioja Alavesa's clay-limestone soils. The winery, founded in 1858, is known for its pioneering spirit and commitment to traditional winemaking. The wine is recognized for its elegant profile and significant aging potential, often identified by its signature wire mesh bottle wrapping.

## Interesting facts

- The wine's distinctive wire mesh wrapping was historically used to prevent counterfeiting.
- Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dalí were among the wine's early admirers.
- Marqués de Riscal is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja, established in 1858.
- The use of old vines is a cornerstone of this wine's identity.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus tannins and polished texture are well-suited to complement the proteins in dishes like lamb and pork, softening as they interact. Its balanced acidity cuts through richer elements, such as those found in a beef stew or duck confit. The subtle oak notes and balsamic undertones in the wine can echo or enhance the savory and herbal notes in roasted meats and cheeses.

## Wine making process

The production of Marqués de Riscal Reserva begins with grapes from old Tempranillo vines, often planted before the 1970s, situated in Rioja Alavesa. Fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures with a maceration period not exceeding 12 days. The wine then undergoes a significant aging process, typically spending two years in American oak barrels, followed by a minimum of one year of bottle aging before release. This meticulous approach ensures the development of a wine with classic Rioja characteristics: freshness, elegance, and fine structure.