The Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 is a highly sought-after wine that has been celebrated by many oenophiles around the world. It’s an exquisite blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano grapes grown in Spain’s La Rioja region – renowned for producing some of the best wines on earth. In this marques de riscal rioja reserva 2018 review, we will explore every aspect from winemaking to environmental impact, providing you with all the information necessary to decide if it’s worth investing your hard-earned money into. Prepare yourself for an in-depth journey through taste and quality as we investigate what makes this particular vintage so special.
Contents
Table of Contents:
- Overview of Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018
- Winemaking Process
- Quality and Value for Money
- Environmental Impact of Production
- Final Thoughts on Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018
- FAQs in Relation to Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 Review
- Conclusion
Overview of Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018
It has been aged for 18 months in French and American oak barrels, giving it an intense aroma and flavor. The blend consists of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo grapes. This combination creates a complex yet balanced taste that is both fruity and earthy with notes of blackberry, cherry, tobacco, leather, and spice. On the palate it is full-bodied with smooth tannins that lead to a long finish.
History and Background:
The Marques de Riscal winery was founded in 1858 by Don Guillermo Hurtado de Amézaga who wanted to create high quality wines from the Rioja region using traditional methods combined with modern techniques. Today they are one of the most renowned producers in Spain whose wines have won numerous awards over the years including being named as one of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines for 2023.
The Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 offers a complex bouquet of aromas, including ripe dark fruit such as blackberry and cherry, along with notes of tobacco leaf, leather, cedar wood, licorice root and vanilla bean pod extractions from the oak aging process. On the palate it is full-bodied with smooth tannins that lead to a long finish. Flavors like blackberry jam mingled with sweet spices are present followed by hints of mocha chocolate for an enjoyable experience.
This robust red pairs well with grilled meats such as steak or lamb chops, but can also be enjoyed alongside rich dishes like braised short ribs or roasted vegetables served over polenta or mashed potatoes for added complexity to your mealtime experience.
The Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 is a delicious and complex wine with an impressive depth of flavor. It’s no wonder why it has been gaining so much attention in the wine world. Now let us take a look at the winemaking process that goes into creating this amazing bottle of Rioja Reserva.
Winemaking Process
The winemaking process begins with the selection of high-quality grapes that are harvested by hand at their optimal ripeness. The grapes are then destemmed and crushed before being fermented in stainless steel tanks for up to two weeks. During this time, the juice is regularly tested for sugar levels and other characteristics to ensure quality control throughout the entire process.
Once fermentation has finished, the wine is transferred into French oak barrels where it will age for 12 months before bottling. This aging period allows for further complexity in flavor as well as a softer tannin structure which makes it easier to drink upon release. After aging, the wine undergoes one final filtration before being bottled and labeled with its vintage year and region of origin – Rioja Alavesa – on each bottle’s label.
The Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 also includes a unique closure system known as “Crown Closure” which helps preserve freshness while allowing easy opening without any tools or extra effort required from consumers when they purchase bottles of this special reserve red wine. This closure system is designed to help keep the wine fresher for longer and make it easier to open without having to use any additional tools.
The winemaking process of Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 is an intricate combination of traditional and modern methods that result in a superbly crafted wine. With the quality and value for money this vintage has to offer, it’s no surprise that it has been awarded numerous accolades.
Quality and Value for Money
Its price point is relatively low compared to other wines of similar quality, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a good bottle without breaking the bank.
Price Point Analysis:
The Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 retails at around $15-20 per bottle, depending on where you purchase it from. This makes it one of the most affordable options in its class and gives consumers access to high-quality wines at an accessible price point.
The Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 has been widely praised by critics and consumers alike, garnering numerous awards and accolades since its release in 2017. It was named “Best Spanish Red Wine” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2023, while Decanter magazine included it among the top 100 best buys of 2023. With a price point that is relatively low compared to other wines of similar quality, this bottle offers excellent value for money.
Overall, the Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 offers a great quality and value for money, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a fine wine without breaking the bank. Moving on to its environmental impact, let’s explore how this wine is produced with sustainable practices in mind.
Environmental Impact of Production
Sustainable Practices Used:
This includes utilizing natural resources responsibly, minimizing waste and emissions, and protecting biodiversity. For example, they use drip irrigation systems to conserve water while also reducing runoff and erosion. They also employ integrated pest management techniques such as crop rotation and cover crops to minimize the need for chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Additionally, they have implemented a system of green harvesting which involves hand-picking grapes at optimal ripeness levels in order to produce high quality wines with minimal energy input.
In addition to their sustainable practices, Marques de Riscal has taken steps towards reducing their carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels for electricity generation onsite. They have also invested in anaerobic digestion technology which uses organic matter from winemaking processes such as grape skins and stems to generate biogas that can be used for heating or cooking purposes instead of relying on fossil fuels like natural gas or propane. Furthermore, they have adopted eco-friendly packaging materials such as cardboard boxes made from recycled paper fibers instead of plastic bottles or cans, which require more energy during production stages than other alternatives do.
The Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 has taken great strides in reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable practices, making it a more environmentally conscious choice. Moving forward, let’s explore the overall rating and summary of pros and cons of this wine.
Final Thoughts on Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018
It has been aged for 18 months in oak barrels and offers an intense, complex flavor profile with notes of dark fruits, spices, and tobacco. This wine has won several awards over the years and is highly rated by critics.
Pros and Cons Summary:
The Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 offers a great balance between quality and value for money. On one hand, it is reasonably priced compared to other wines of similar quality; on the other hand, its taste profile makes it stand out among its peers. However, some may find that its tannins are too strong or that its acidity levels are too high for their liking.
Overall, the Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 can be considered an excellent choice when looking for a good-quality Spanish red wine at an affordable price point. Its complexity makes it enjoyable both on its own or paired with food; however, those who prefer lighter wines might not appreciate this particular vintage as much as others do.
FAQs in Relation to Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018 Review
Is Rioja Reserva a good wine?
No, Rioja Reserva is not a good wine. It has an overly oaky flavor that can be off-putting to many people. The tannins are too high and the acidity level is often too low for it to be considered a quality wine. Additionally, some of the bottles may have been aged for longer than necessary, leading to a flat taste and lack of complexity in the flavors. Ultimately, Rioja Reserva does not meet the standards of what makes a great wine.
What kind of wine is Marqués de Riscal Rioja?
Marqués de Riscal Rioja is a Spanish red wine produced in the Rioja region of Spain. It is made from Tempranillo grapes and aged for 12 months in American oak barrels. This full-bodied, fruity wine has aromas of ripe cherries, plums, and spices with hints of vanilla and tobacco. On the palate it offers flavors of blackberries, raspberries, chocolate, licorice, and toasted oak. The finish is long and smooth with a lingering hint of spice. This wine pairs well with grilled meats, game dishes, and hard cheeses.
What makes Hotel Marqués de Riscal unique?
Hotel Marqués de Riscal is a unique and luxurious hotel located in the heart of Spain’s wine country. Its modern architecture, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, creates an iconic silhouette that stands out from its surroundings. The hotel features 81 individually-designed rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside. Guests can enjoy exquisite cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant, relax in one of two outdoor pools or take part in activities such as horseback riding or hot air ballooning. With its combination of luxury amenities, stunning architecture and beautiful setting, Hotel Marqués de Riscal offers guests a truly unforgettable experience unlike any other.
Why is Rioja wine so good?
Rioja wine is renowned for its unique flavor and complexity. The region’s climate, soil, and terrain create a perfect environment for producing wines of exceptional quality. The combination of warm days and cool nights allows the grapes to ripen slowly, developing intense aromas and flavors while retaining acidity. Rioja also benefits from a long aging process that adds further complexity to the final product. This lengthy maturation gives Rioja wines their signature depth, balance, structure, tannins, and subtle nuances that make them so enjoyable to drink.
Conclusion
It has an excellent balance of flavors, with notes of blackberry and cherry, and its oak aging adds complexity to the flavor profile. The winemaking process is done with respect for the environment, making it a sustainable choice. Overall, this marques de riscal rioja reserva 2018 review shows that this wine is a great option for any occasion – whether you’re looking to enjoy it on its own or pair it with food.
Are you looking for a great Rioja Reserva to enjoy with friends or family? Look no further than Marques de Riscal’s 2018 vintage! This full-bodied red wine has notes of dark fruit, spice and oak that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. Notary on Demand is here to make sure your purchase is secure and stress free so you can focus on enjoying this delicious bottle of vino. Don’t wait – get your hands on Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva today!