Slightly closed initial impression on the nose but quickly opening up to reveal ripe fruit and vanilla notes. Intense colour with a crimson rim and a deeper more concentrated ruby red core. In the mouth, the initial impression is of freshness from the acidity with soft ripe red fruits and American oak on the mid palate. The wine has good concentration and length. Marqu�s de Riscal Reserva is made from grapes grown on vines over 15 years old and spends approximately 2 years in oak barrels to produce that classic Rioja style. Raisiny fruit on the nose leads to ripe fruit and soft tannins on the palate. !!<Background: >!!Marqu�s de Riscal was founded in the 1850s in the small village of Elciego in the Alava region of Rioja. Breaking with tradition, a French winemaker was employed to oversee the introduction of French grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon is still planted), French vinification techniques and the construction of a new winery built along Bordeaux lines. Within five years the Bodega was winning prizes, culminating in the Diplome d'Honneur, the highest accolade at the XIII Exposition de Bordeaux, which it won in 1895. Throughout its history Marqu�s de Riscal has pioneered new techniques and standards that have led to ever greater character and consistency in their wines. Committed to the highest levels of quality, Marqu�s de Riscal can count amongst its technical advisers upon the eminent French oenologists Guy Guimberteau of the Bordeaux Wine Institute and Paul Pontallier of Ch�teau Margaux. |
