Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva

Cherry-red color with good robe. Spicy, balsamic aromas of great complexity, with notes of ripe dark berries and light toasted nuances. On the palate, it is full and tasty, with good structure and rounded, elegant tannins. The finish is long and fresh, with a slight reminder of the fine oak.

Marques de Riscal Reserva wines are basically made from grapes from Tempranillo vines planted before 1970s, grown in the best clay-limestone soils of the Rioja Alavesa. This variety withstands oak- and bottle aging well thanks to its good balance of acidity and fine tannin. The Graciano and Mazuelo varieties, whose presence in the blend does not exceed 10%, provide crispness and a lively color.

Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 26ºC and the maceration time is never more than 12 days. Riscal reservas spend around two years in American Oak barrels, producing a wine which corresponds to the classic Rioja style: fresh, fine, elegant, and very suitable for laying down for many years. Before release for sale it spends a minimum of one year rounding off in the bottle; time enough to show how much complexity Tempranillo is able to achieve.

Grape Variety: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo

Food pairing: This wine goes well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles which are not highly spiced, bean and pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grills, and roasts.

Best served at between 16º and 18ºC