BUY RISCAL BARON DE CHIREL RESERVA 2016 ONLINE | Grapes & Grains

Marques de Riscal winery is the oldest and most traditional of the Rioja. Opens for business in 1860 and is notable for its pioneering, innovative, nonconformist, and introduces the techniques of French wine elavoración. Always a step ahead of the rest, opens the way but without forgetting the traditions. In this framework that combines tradition and future, and born the idea of building a revolutionary, able to symbolize the innovative spirit of the company. Camilo Hurtado de Amézaga, marquis of Riscal, was a man ahead of its time. He found inspiration to set up his winery in Bordeaux in 1858. Soon after that date, he brought the first French vitis vinifera to his vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon was the variety that best adapted to the Rioja terroir so it played a key role in his wines, specially those known as “reserva Médoc”, which can still be sampled in rare historical tastings. This variety is only allowed in Rioja for experimental purposes, but Riscal still blends it in its top wine, Barón de Chirel. In fact, the percentage of Cabernet in the blend has increased in the latest vintages, and it clearly shows in the glass. A dark cherry colour, lively with few signs of evolution. High aromatic intensity in which the toasted and spicy aromas from the French oak predominate, together with ripe, dark-berried fruit. The palate is fresh and smooth with soft, polished tannins in which the wood is not too intrusive. Complex and elegant with a long, balanced finish.