{"title":"Marques de Riscal","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"marques-de-riscal-reserva-750ml","title":"Marques de Riscal Reserva","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarqués de Riscal Reserva\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Tempranillo-based Rioja Reserva from Elciego, Spain, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2020 vintage earned 94 points from James Suckling and a Mundus Vini Gold medal, reinforcing this label's consistent standing among the benchmark Rioja Reservas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Rioja Alavesa, D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain  |  Style: Reserva  |  Winery: Marqués de Riscal, Elciego (Álava)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarqués de Riscal, founded in 1858, is one of the oldest commercial wineries in Rioja and was the first in the region to produce wines using Bordeaux techniques. The Reserva is built primarily from Tempranillo grown on pre-1970s vines planted in the clay-limestone soils of Rioja Alavesa, blended with small proportions of Graciano (no more than 10%) and Mazuelo for added complexity and structure. After fermentation, the wine spends a minimum of 24 months in American oak barrels before an extended period of bottle aging, a traditional regimen that distinguishes classic Rioja Reserva from younger Crianza releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with bold cherry and blackberry, layered with balsamic hints and delicate oak. Further exploration reveals licorice, cinnamon, and black pepper, reflecting the extended barrel maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry is fresh and immediate, led by bright red fruit and subtle vanilla. At mid-palate, a full-bodied texture takes hold with smooth, polished tannins and a measured dose of licorice. The structure is confident but never heavy, with acidity keeping everything balanced and lively.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and persistent, trailing off with gentle balsamic reminders and warm spice. The tannins recede gracefully, leaving a clean, savory impression that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Riscal Reserva\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Reserva shows its best character at around 16–18°C (61–64°F), served in a large-bowled glass with 20–30 minutes of air. Decanting older vintages will open up the balsamic and spice layers further.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo (reimagined):\u003c\/strong\u003e A lighter interpretation using cola and this Reserva plays surprisingly well in Basque Country's famous casual serve, though purists may prefer it neat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTempranillo Sangria:\u003c\/strong\u003e The cherry-forward fruit and spice translate naturally into a premium sangria with citrus, brandy, and cinnamon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Spritz:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mixed with sparkling water and an orange twist, the wine's bright acidity makes a refreshing warm-weather aperitif.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to the depth and tradition of aged Rioja\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a weekend lamb or grilled red meat dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Old World classics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a cellar collection with age-worthy Spanish reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Riscal Reserva taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with bright cherry and blackberry fruit, supported by vanilla, licorice, and warm baking spice from extended American oak aging. Polished tannins and a persistent balsamic finish give it a classic Rioja Reserva profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Riscal Reserva compare to CUNE Imperial Reserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are benchmark Rioja Reservas from historic producers, but Riscal Reserva leans toward riper fruit and more prominent American oak character, while CUNE Imperial tends to show a slightly more austere, structured profile. The two are frequently compared as entry points into traditional Rioja.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Riscal Reserva good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — it is designed as a food-friendly wine but stands confidently on its own, especially with a brief decant to let the oak-aged complexity fully emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Riscal Reserva made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at the Marqués de Riscal winery in Elciego, a town in the Álava province within the Rioja Alavesa sub-region of D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain. The grapes come primarily from old-vine Tempranillo vineyards on clay-limestone soils in this same area.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Riscal Reserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roast lamb benefits from the wine's tannin structure and balsamic notes. Grilled chorizo echoes its smoky spice. Manchego cheese mirrors the Spanish origin and complements the vanilla oak. Slow-cooked beef stew matches the wine's full body. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, savory undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Riscal Reserva come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format. Select vintages may appear in magnum (1.5L) or half-bottle (375ml) sizes depending on market availability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Riscal Reserva worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Riscal Reserva positions as a mid-range Rioja Reserva, delivering old-vine fruit, over two years of oak aging, and consistent critical acclaim — including a 94-point James Suckling score for the 2020 vintage — at a price point that represents strong value within the Reserva category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Riscal Reserva?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew Rioja producers can claim over 160 years of continuous winemaking, and Marqués de Riscal channels that history directly into this Reserva bottling. The use of pre-1970s Tempranillo vines gives the wine a concentration and depth that younger plantings struggle to match. Consistent critical recognition across multiple vintages — 94 points from James Suckling for 2020, 92 points for both 2019 and 2011, plus back-to-back Mundus Vini Gold medals — demonstrates reliability rather than one-off brilliance. For anyone seeking a textbook Rioja Reserva that balances tradition, complexity, and accessibility, this remains one of the category's most trusted names.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Marques de Riscal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836803412137,"sku":"5484","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/marques_de_riscal_reserva__60571.jpg?v=1730470894"},{"product_id":"marques-de-riscal-rioja-tempranillo","title":"Marques de Riscal Rioja Tempranillo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarques de Riscal Rioja Tempranillo\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Tempranillo-dominant red wine from Rioja Alavesa, Spain, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by one of Rioja's founding bodegas — established in 1858 — this expression has earned 92 points from both James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast, along with Mundus Vini Gold medals for the 2019 and 2020 vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Rioja Alavesa, Spain  |  Varietal: Tempranillo-led blend  |  Winery: Marqués de Riscal (est. 1858)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarqués de Riscal holds a singular place in Spanish wine history. Founded in 1858 by Camilo Hurtado de Amézaga in the town of Elciego, the bodega was the first in Rioja to adopt French winemaking techniques, brought to the estate by cellar master Jean Pineau from Château Lanessan in Bordeaux. The winery produced the first bottled Rioja wine in 1862, and in 1895 it became the first non-French bodega to receive the Diploma of Honor at the International Exposition of Bordeaux. This Tempranillo expression is built primarily from Tempranillo grapes — approximately 90% — blended with small percentages of Graciano and Mazuelo, and aged in American oak barrels. That oak regimen imparts the structured vanilla and cedar backbone that defines the house style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe damson plum and macerated strawberry, layered with sweet spice — cinnamon and cedar — that transitions into cocoa powder and a hint of balsamic. There is restraint here; the fruit is present but never overblown.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On the palate, entry is soft and fruit-forward, with cherry and blackberry leading into a mid-palate of vanilla and milk chocolate. Cedar and sweet oak build toward the peak, where mulberry and cassis concentrate alongside well-integrated tannins that provide grip without harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is medium to long, marked by lingering spice, dried red fruit, and a subtle cedar warmth. Tannins remain polished through the close, leaving a clean, savory impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Riscal Tempranillo\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine drinks well at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, and benefits from 15–20 minutes of air after opening. A standard pour into a wide-bowled glass allows the spice and fruit aromatics to develop fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTempranillo Sangria:\u003c\/strong\u003e The cherry-plum fruit and structured tannins create a robust base that holds up to citrus, brandy, and fresh fruit without losing identity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo:\u003c\/strong\u003e A traditional Basque Country combination with cola — the wine's oak spice and dark fruit create an unexpectedly balanced, refreshing drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Spritzer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mixed with sparkling water and a citrus twist, the wine's fruit-forward character and moderate tannins translate into a lighter warm-weather serve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to quality Rioja for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners featuring grilled lamb or roasted vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Spanish wine collection with a historic benchmark producer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Old World tradition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Riscal Tempranillo taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers ripe cherry, blackberry, and damson plum alongside vanilla, cedar, and milk chocolate notes from American oak aging. The tannins are polished and the finish lingers with warm spice and dried red fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Riscal Tempranillo compare to Muga Reserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are well-regarded Rioja reds built around Tempranillo and aged in oak, but Muga Reserva tends to incorporate both American and French oak, resulting in a slightly more complex wood influence. Marqués de Riscal leans into a cleaner American oak signature with more pronounced vanilla and cedar character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Riscal Tempranillo good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its approachable fruit profile, soft tannins, and balanced oak make it an accessible entry point into traditional Rioja without sacrificing depth or complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Riscal Tempranillo made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at the Marqués de Riscal bodega in Elciego, within the Rioja Alavesa sub-region of Rioja, Spain. Rioja Alavesa sits in the Basque Country at higher elevations, producing wines known for aromatic intensity and finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Riscal Tempranillo?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's spice and tannin structure. Manchego cheese mirrors its Spanish roots and matches the oak-derived nuttiness. Chorizo and cured Ibérico ham echo the savory, spice-driven finish. Roasted red pepper dishes highlight the fruit, and slow-braised short ribs match the wine's weight and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Riscal Tempranillo come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Riscal Tempranillo worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as an entry-level to mid-tier Rioja from one of the denomination's oldest and most decorated producers, delivering oak-aged complexity and consistent critical scores that outperform many wines at the same price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Riscal Tempranillo?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarqués de Riscal is not merely historic — it is foundational. The bodega introduced barrel-aging to Rioja using Bordeaux techniques over 160 years ago, and this Tempranillo expression carries that lineage in every glass. With 92-point scores from both James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast, plus back-to-back Mundus Vini Gold medals, the wine consistently delivers beyond its weight class. For anyone seeking a reliable, oak-aged Rioja from a producer whose methods literally shaped the modern denomination, this is the benchmark starting point.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Marques de Riscal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837781733545,"sku":"26899","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Marques-de-Riscal-Rioja-Tempranillo__35450.jpg?v=1730494113"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/marques-de-riscal.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}