Wine of the Week:: Marqués de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva 2010

Marqués de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva 2010 is a fine wine produced by one of Spain's most renowned wine producers, Bodegas Marqués de Riscal. The wine is made from a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes, which are carefully selected from the best vineyards in the Rioja region.

The history of Marqués de Riscal dates back to 1858, when a visionary wine producer, Camilo Hurtado de Amézaga, decided to establish a winery in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. His goal was to produce high-quality wines that would rival the best wines in the world. He imported the latest winemaking technology from Bordeaux and hired a team of experienced winemakers to help him achieve his goal.

Over the years, Marqués de Riscal has become synonymous with excellence, innovation, and tradition. The winery has been at the forefront of many of the advances in winemaking in Spain, including the use of stainless steel vats, the introduction of French oak barrels, and the adoption of the latest technologies for fermentation and aging.

The Rioja region, where Marqués de Riscal is located, is one of the most important wine regions in Spain. It is situated in the north of the country, along the banks of the Ebro River, and is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. The region has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, and is known for its diverse soils, which range from clay to limestone to sandstone.

Marqués de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva 2010 is a classic example of the high-quality wines that are produced in the Rioja region. The wine has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma that combines the fruitiness of blackberries, blackcurrants, and cherries with the spicy notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with a silky texture, ripe tannins, and a long, elegant finish.

The wine is aged for 32 months in American oak barrels, followed by 36 months of bottle aging. This prolonged aging process gives the wine its distinctive character, balancing the fruitiness with the spicy and smoky notes of the oak.

Marqués de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva 2010 is an excellent wine to pair with hearty dishes such as roasted meats, stews, and game. It is also a great wine to enjoy on its own, as it has the complexity and elegance to be savored slowly.

If you are interested in learning more about Marqués de Riscal and their wines, you can visit their website at https://www.marquesderiscal.com/en/. The website offers information about the winery, the wines, and the history of the Rioja region. You can also follow them on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to stay up-to-date on their latest news and events.

Marqués de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva 2010 can be purchased from a variety of online retailers, including Wine.com, Total Wine & More, and Fine Wine & Good Spirits. It is also available at many specialty wine shops and restaurants throughout the United States.