Marques de Riscal RESERVA Rioja

It was Don Camilo Hurtado de Amezaga, Marques de Riscal de Alegre, who in 1860, through his revolutionary ideas, put his mark on the historical Spanish wine map. His innovative methods imported from Bordeaux, much criticised at that time, brought a new way of understanding and elaborating our best wines. Following in the innovative wake of the Bordeaux wines, MarquÉs de Riscal built the first Spanish cellar of the Modern Age. Located in the heart of Rioja, its construction was overseen by the prestigious engineer, Ricardo Bellsola. More than 200 stonemasons were employed on the construction. Its two-metre thick walls allowed for the maintenance of a constant temperature of 14º. Wines, for the first time in Spain, were elaborated with Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir and other varieties. These new incorporations did not substitute the indigenous varieties such as Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano, rather the masterful combination of both origins gave rise to the unique accent of the Riscal wines. For the selection of its grapes Riscal has over 200 regular suppliers, going back four generations from father to son. By general consensus, an agricultural plan has been established, thanks to which growers are advised on each and every aspect so that the final product complies fully with the desired parameters for maximum quality. A predominantly dry year with the driest and hottest summer for over 40 years. There was little in the way of spring frost while the very mild temperatures in March resulted in an early bud break, almost a month earlier than usual. The harvest was early and produced grapes of exceptional quality. One of the best vintages for decades and officially classed by the Consejor Regulador as excellent. Despite 29 months maturation in American casks the wine retains a youthful colour on the rim, with a deeply concentrated centre. The aroma is fresh and lively showing a combination of toasted oak and dried fruits. On the palate the wine is rich and powerful. Though approachable now, the good acidity and firm tannins suggest a wine capable of long ageing. (6 x 75 cl)

It was Don Camilo Hurtado de Amezaga, Marques de Riscal de Alegre, who in 1860, through his revolutionary ideas, put his mark on the historical Spanish wine map. His innovative methods imported from Bordeaux, much criticised at that time, brought a new way of understanding and elaborating our best wines. Following in the innovative wake of the Bordeaux wines, MarquÉs de Riscal built the first Spanish cellar of the Modern Age. Located in the heart of Rioja, its construction was overseen by the prestigious engineer, Ricardo Bellsola. More than 200 stonemasons were employed on the construction. Its two-metre thick walls allowed for the maintenance of a constant temperature of 14º. Wines, for the first time in Spain, were elaborated with Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir and other varieties. These new incorporations did not substitute the indigenous varieties such as Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano, rather the masterful combination of both origins gave rise to the unique accent of the Riscal wines. For the selection of its grapes Riscal has over 200 regular suppliers, going back four generations from father to son. By general consensus, an agricultural plan has been established, thanks to which growers are advised on each and every aspect so that the final product complies fully with the desired parameters for maximum quality. Another very dry vintage, classified as 'very good', with temperatures ideal for full ripening of the grapes to produce an intense, powerful wine with a deep garnet colour. Complex aromas of toasty oak, caramel and vanilla follow through to the mouth-filling black fruit on the palate, balanced by firm, ripe tannins. Like the 1994, this wine spent 26 months in American oak before release and will continue to develop subtler, more complex aspects in bottle. (6 x 75 cl)

Despite difficult wet weather conditions during May and August, high temperatures during September and October enabled excellent ripening. The resultant wine has been aged in American oak casks for 24 months to create an aroma with a fresh and lively combination of toasted oak and dried fruits, and a rich yet elegant taste. This vintage will drink earlier than the previous three, although the good acidity and firm tannins will allow for further development of the wine in bottle. (24 x 37.5 cl)

It was Don Camilo Hurtado de AmÉzaga, MarquÉs de Riscal de Alegre, who in 1860, through his revolutionary ideas, put his mark on the historical Spanish wine map. His innovative methods imported from Bordeaux, much criticised at that time, brought a new way of understanding and elaborating our best wines. Following in the innovative wake of the Bordeaux wines, MarquÉs de Riscal built the first Spanish cellar of the Modern Age. Located in the heart of Rioja, its construction was overseen by the prestigious engineer, Ricardo Bellsolá. More than 200 stonemasons were employed on the construction. Its two-metre thick walls allowed for the maintenance of a constant temperature of 14º. Wines, for the first time in Spain, were elaborated with Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir and other varieties. These new incorporations did not substitute the indigenous varieties such as Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano, rather the masterful combination of both origins gave rise to the unique accent of the Riscal wines. For the selection of its grapes Riscal has over 200 regular suppliers, going back four generations from father to son. By general consensus, an agricultural plan has been established, thanks to which growers are advised on each and every aspect so that the final product complies fully with the desired parameters for maximum quality. Deep in colour, a subtle fragrance of cinnamon with very ripe fruit and soft tannin. (1 x 3 Litres)

Deep in colour, a subtle fragrance of cinnamon with very ripe fruit and soft tannin. This wine is aged in American oak for 23 months. (6 x 1.5 Litres)

Marques de Riscal, pioneer in the production of top quality wines in Rioja and Rueda has set out on a new venture to make a highly expressive red wine outside the Rioja D.O. As a result this wine has been created taking advantage of total liberty in the vinification process but using only the grapes from the most select plots of Tempranillo. The Tempranillo variety produces highly aromatic wines with a full body and colour that are well structured, fresh and intense. Here, great care is taken from the vineyard to the winery as only ripe Tempranillo grapes which have received plenty of sunshine are accepted. Collected in boxes with a maximum capacity of 18 kilos so as to avoid the berries getting broken or crushed, attention to detail is very important and after 6 months ageing in American Oak this rich cherry-red coloured wine is ready to drink. Displaying high aromatic intensity, with aromas of ripe, black fruit and fine smoky nuances there is also underlying toast. In the mouth, it is warm, meaty, powerful with a presence of smooth tannins. It has moderate acidity, with a long, pleasant finish in which the perception of oak is more defined. (6 x 75 cl)

This top Rioja producer has undertaken this new project, unbound by the D.O. regulations of Rioja, to produce a full-bodied, aromatic 100% old-vine Tempranillo wine which is ready to drink on release. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, the wine spends five months in oak, and displays powerful aromas of raspberry and cherry, followed by integrated, smoky oak with firmly structured tannins and abundant fruit on a persistent finish. (6 x 75 cl)

It offers fragrant aromas of slightly honeyed fruit and spicy oak. On the palate there is good weight of fruit, with crisp acidity giving length and definition on the finish (6 x 75 cl)

Grapes from the younger Tempranillo vines (6 x 75 cl)