Marqués de Riscal - Tapias de Marqués de Riscal 2021
Founded in 1858 in Elciego, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Marqués de Riscal is one of the great historic houses of the Spanish vineyard. From its origins, the estate distinguished itself by a willingness to open up and by adopting practices inspired by Bordeaux methods, an influence still perceptible in some of its great wines. Tapias de Marqués de Riscal fits into this history while offering a particularly precise interpretation of Tempranillo and its place of origin. Its name refers to the Finca Las Tapias, a 15-hectare vineyard located in the territory of Elciego and considered one of the most remarkable of the house. Planted in 1968 from a massal selection of very old vines, this plot rests on ancient terraces of the Ebro River. The soil, relatively gravelly and not compact, notably presents a marked limestone layer as well as, in places, slightly ferruginous clay nuances. In this high-altitude Mediterranean environment, the wine finds an expression that is both deep, fresh, and particularly structured, far from the simply powerful interpretations that Rioja can sometimes offer.
The 2021 vintage comes from a selection of only 2.85 hectares within the Finca Las Tapias. This parcel selection concentrates the ambition of the cuvée: to favor the uniqueness of a place rather than a uniform reading of the vineyard. Made exclusively from Tempranillo, the wine draws its personality from the finesse of the old vines and the capacity of this terroir to preserve freshness within a generous matter. The 2021 vegetative cycle was marked by a contrasting start to the season, followed by a dry summer and precipitation that delayed the harvest, allowing the grapes to reach maturity under favorable conditions. The 18-month aging in French oak vats supports the structure of the wine without seeking to impose an excessive woody imprint. This approach gives birth to a contemporary Rioja in its design but deeply attached to the history of Marqués de Riscal. It thus evokes the great wines made by the house in its early days, with this search for elegance, precision, and longevity that also explains its presence on the Bordeaux Place.
In the glass, Tapias de Marqués de Riscal 2021 stands out by a clearly defined fruit, around cherry and redcurrant, mingled with smoky, spicy, and slightly mentholated nuances. The palate has real density, but its interest lies especially in the tension that animates the matter and avoids any heaviness. The tannins, abundant and ripe, structure the whole with precision while a creamy texture brings relief to the mid-palate. The balance between delicacy and power is one of the most convincing traits of this cuvée, whose freshness prolongs the fruity and spicy flavors for a long time. Already expressive after aeration, this Rioja also has the constitution necessary to evolve favorably in the cellar. It will naturally accompany a well-matured Iberian ham, roasted red meats, herb lamb, or game served with a slightly spicy sauce. A serving temperature between 16 and 18 °C will allow full appreciation of its complexity and the finesse of its touch.
Grape variety: Tempranillo
