Wines Rioja Marqués de Riscal - Reserva - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Marqués de Riscal Reserva 2020 is a classic red from the prestigious Rioja DO in Spain. This wine is typically a blend dominated by Tempranillo, often complemented by Graciano and Mazuelo, giving the cuvée depth and complexity. The 2020 vintage experienced favourable conditions, with balanced ripening that provided concentrated fruit while retaining freshness. In the cellar, Marqués de Riscal Reserva wines are traditionally fermented in stainless steel before being aged for around two years in American oak barrels. This maturation imparts the wine with its signature vanilla and spicy notes, alongside subtle hints of sweet tobacco and cedar, harmonising beautifully with the vibrant red and black fruit character.

The Rioja region is one of Spain's oldest and most celebrated winegrowing areas, straddling both banks of the Ebro River. The climate here is a blend of Atlantic, continental, and Mediterranean influences, resulting in cool nights and warm days that favour balanced grape ripening and aromatic complexity. The soils, composed largely of clay, limestone, and alluvial deposits, provide excellent drainage and contribute to the finesse and aging potential of the wines. Rioja has a richly layered history, marked by the influence of French winemaking techniques in the late 19th century, which helped shape the region’s current style.

With its elegant structure and layered flavour profile, Marqués de Riscal Reserva shines with food. Traditional Spanish pairings such as lamb cutlets grilled over vine shoots, chorizo braised in red wine, or jamón ibérico amplify the wine’s savoury notes. More broadly, roast duck, beef steak with mushrooms, or well-aged hard cheeses are also excellent partners, as the wine's supple tannins and subtle oak intertwine beautifully with rich and flavourful dishes.

For the best tasting experience, serve this Rioja Reserva at 16-18°C. Decanting for thirty minutes before serving will help open up the wine's bouquet, enhancing those delicate balsamic, spice, and fruit layers. This wine is drinkable now but can also reward further ageing if properly cellared.