In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: red cherry, vanilla, dried herb, tobacco

Palate: red fruit, sweet spice, fine tannin, savoury

One of Rioja's most historic Reservas, aged in American oak in a classical, savoury style; reliable, elegant and a worldwide benchmark for the category.

What it pairs with

  • Cordero asado al sarmiento
    Vine-shoot-roasted suckling lamb is the canonical Rioja match; the wine's resolved tannins frame the sweet fat.
  • Chuleton de buey a la brasa Find chuleton de buey a la brasa on TableJourney →
    A thick aged-beef chop over embers meets the wine's savoury oak and grip.
  • Jamon iberico
    Cured Iberian ham echoes the wine's dried-cherry and leather register.

History

Marques de Riscal has made Reserva-style reds since the 1860s, among the first Bordeaux-influenced wines in Rioja, and the Reserva remains a global classic.

  1. 1858 — Bodega founded at Elciego
  2. 1862 — Early Bordeaux-influenced Reserva style established

Facts

Producer
Marques de Riscal
Grapes
Tempranillo (90%), Graciano (7%), Mazuelo (3%)
Classification
DOCa Rioja
Oak
Around 24 months in American oak
ABV
14.0%
Price
EUR 14 to 22 at retail
Drinking window
5 to 18 from vintage
First vintage
1862

Scores

  • Tim Atkin 91 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2022)

Tags

cellar worthy dry graciano high acid mazuelo medium body medium tannin mood elegant mood savoury occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world pairs with aged cheese pairs with charcuterie pairs with red meat price everyday still red tempranillo value pick
← Back to wines in Rioja