Marqués de Riscal Reserva 2021

Marqués de Riscal Reserva 2021 is a classic Rioja from Elciego, in the Rioja Alavesa, made from Tempranillo with a portion of Graciano. The Alavesa sits on cool, limestone-rich clay soils at altitude on the northern side of the Ebro, which keep the wines fresh and structured and make this a benchmark district for long-ageing reds. Graciano adds colour, acidity and aromatic lift to the Tempranillo base. The wine is aged for 24 months in American oak barrels followed by 12 months in bottle, in the traditional Rioja Reserva style. American oak brings sweet spice, vanilla and coconut, while the long, slow oxygen exchange in barrel and the bottle ageing soften the tannins and build savoury, leathery complexity. The wine is a deep ruby colour with garnet at the rim. The nose carries liquorice, cinnamon and black pepper over ripe red fruit. The palate is medium to full bodied and balanced, with rounded tannin, sweet oak spice and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It is a classic match for roast lamb and game.