Marqués de Riscal Finca Torrea 2018

Winery Background and History

Marqués de Riscal, founded in 1858 in Rioja Alavesa, is one of Spain’s pioneering wineries known for blending tradition and innovation. Finca Torrea is a relatively modern addition to their portfolio—built around the estate of Torrea, where the winery is located, with vineyards surrounding the modern cellars. It reflects a contemporary Rioja style that emphasizes fruitiness, elegance, and less overt balsamic or oak overtones compared to more traditional Riscal reds. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Marqués de Riscal’s in-house team, this wine comes from carefully tended old vines on the Finca de Torrea estate. Grapes are harvested by hand, sorted, fermented in small Allier oak vats, and undergo malolactic fermentation before being aged 18 months in French oak barrels—methods chosen to preserve freshness and texture while giving complexity. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Vines are old, located at the Finca Torrea estate in Rioja Alavesa on clay-limestone soils. The climate shows a continental influence with some Atlantic and Mediterranean factors—hot summers, cooler nights, and some rainfall in late growing season. In 2018, spring was delayed, there were storms mid-summer, and harvest began in early October under dry, cool conditions to ensure grape health. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

After hand-harvest, grapes are destemmed and sorted, then fermented in low-capacity Allier oak vats at temperatures not exceeding ~25 °C. Maceration is short, pumping over gentle, aiming to preserve fruit and elegance. Malolactic fermentation completes, followed by 18 months aging in French oak barrels. A short period of bottle rest before release. 

Tasting Notes

Deep cherry-red colour. Aromas of ripe red and black fruits with fresh berried notes, balanced with subtle balsamic touches and oak spice. On the palate it is powerful yet elegant, with structured tannins, good acidity, and a persistent aftertaste. Silky mouthfeel with spicy and toasty oak influences, achieving both richness and freshness. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with roasted or grilled meats (lamb, beef), mushroom dishes, poultry with rich sauces, hearty casseroles. Also matches flavorful fish dishes that carry aromatic sauces (e.g. cod in tomato & red pepper sauce), or red tuna. A versatile wine for savoury, robust flavours. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16-18 °C. Decanting ~30 minutes will help open up aromas and soften oak influence. Use a broad red wine glass to capture its depth and spicy/fruit interplay. 

Storage and Aging Potential

Already showing well from release, this wine can age for 8-12 years or more. Over time expect tertiary notes: leather, spice, forest floor, integrating oak more fully while fruit evolves. Best kept in stable, cool (12-15 °C), dark conditions. 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Approx. 90 % Tempranillo

Approx. 10 % Graciano 

ABV

14.6 % 

Scores

• Guía Peñín – 95 Points 

• Decanter – 96 Points