Marqués de Riscal XR Reserva 2020

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1858 by the 6th Marquess of Riscal, Bodegas Marqués de Riscal is one of Rioja Alavesa’s oldest estates and a pioneer in adopting Bordeaux winemaking techniques in Spain. The estate is also known for its avant-garde “City of Wine,” including a Frank Gehry-designed hotel. Its wines embody a blend of tradition, innovation, and global appeal, with exports reaching over 110 countries. The XR Reserva line honors a historic custom of marking exceptional barrels “XR” (Extra Reserva), now bottled to celebrate the winery’s excellence and heritage 

Producer and Wine Maker

The XR Reserva is crafted by the Marqués de Riscal winemaking team, building on a legacy that included guidance from Bordeaux masters like Jean Pineau. Today’s team follows a philosophy of minimal intervention and meticulous selection, honoring the winery’s tradition while allowing terroir and vine age to shine. This ensures each XR release delivers elegance, depth, and the expressive character that defines Marqués de Riscal’s flagship bottling 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Sourced from elevated plots in Rioja Alavesa near Elciego, the XR Reserva grapes benefit from complex clay-limestone soils, old vines of Tempranillo and Graciano, and significant day-night temperature shifts. This combination yields concentrated, balanced fruit with fine acidity and rich mineral detail—ideal for producing structured, ageworthy Rioja wines 

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine undergoes precise sorting and controlled fermentation with limited intervention to preserve varietal purity. It is then aged for approximately 24 months in American oak barrels, allowing the development of nuanced spice, creamy texture, and refined tannins. This combination crafts a wine that balances power with elegance and poise 

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in the glass, the XR Reserva emits aromas of plum, lavender, dried thyme, and herbal notes. The palate reveals black currant, Simka plum, olive tapenade, baking spice, cocoa powder, and a hint of mint. It finishes satin-smooth with layered complexity and excellent structure 

Food & Wine Pairing

This assertive yet refined wine stands up well to hearty fare such as roast lamb, grilled meats, aged cheeses, and complex stews. Its spicy depth, smooth tannins, and elevated acidity make it ideal for rich and savory dishes 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at approximately 17–18 °C in a wide-bowled red wine glass. Decanting for 30 minutes is recommended to soften tannins and allow aromatics to unfold fully

Storage and Aging Potential

This is a long-lived wine designed to evolve gracefully over time. Under proper cellaring conditions, it benefits from 10–15 years of aging, during which it develops secondary notes like leather, spice, and forest floor complexity 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Primarily Tempranillo with a small portion of Graciano 

ABV

Approximately 15% 

Scores

Wine Spectator: 92 points

Guía Peñín: 93 points

James Suckling: 93 points