Marques de Riscal Reserva

Marqués de Riscal Reserva 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Rioja Alavesa, D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain  |  Style: Reserva  |  Winery: Marqués de Riscal, Elciego (Álava)

Production & Heritage

Marqués 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Riscal Reserva

This 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.

• Kalimotxo (reimagined): A lighter interpretation using cola and this Reserva plays surprisingly well in Basque Country's famous casual serve, though purists may prefer it neat.
• Tempranillo Sangria: The cherry-forward fruit and spice translate naturally into a premium sangria with citrus, brandy, and cinnamon.
• Red Wine Spritz: Mixed with sparkling water and an orange twist, the wine's bright acidity makes a refreshing warm-weather aperitif.

Best For

• Introducing someone to the depth and tradition of aged Rioja
• Pairing with a weekend lamb or grilled red meat dinner
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Old World classics
• Building a cellar collection with age-worthy Spanish reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Riscal Reserva taste like? 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.

How does Riscal Reserva compare to CUNE Imperial Reserva? 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.

Is Riscal Reserva good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Riscal Reserva made? 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.

What foods pair well with Riscal Reserva? 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.

What sizes does Riscal Reserva come in? 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.

Is Riscal Reserva worth the price? 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.

Why Riscal Reserva?

Few 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.