Region: Elciego, Rioja
To make their Gran Reserva wines, Riscal use grapes from vines over 80 years old, from their own estate vineyards and bought in from associated local growers. Once the wine destined to become a Gran Reserva has been selected, following the coupage of the wines of the new vintage, it is put into American oak casks where it will age for between two and a half and three years. This is followed by a further minimum of three years bottle ageing before release for sale.
Tasting note
Very elegant, complex nose, with aromas of black fruit, with hints of black pepper, balsamic aromas and slight toastiness, reminding you of fine oak. It is smooth and round in the mouth, with tannins whch are firm, yet silky and very sweet and which envelop the whole palate. The finish is long, lingering, fresh and balanced with fine elegant tannins. This wine has a great ageing potential and can easily improve for another twenty years+.
Blend: 90% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano, 2% Mazuelo.
Food pairing
This wine goes well with ham, mature cheeses, red meat, all kinds of roast meat and game casseroles.