| Region of production: | Rioja Alavesa |
| Winery Location: | Elciego |
| Year Established: | 1858 |
Vineyard Holdings
- 500 ha owned by Marqués de Riscal, planted to Tempranillo, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mazuelo
- 985 ha external vineyards controlled by the Marqués de Riscal cellar
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Barón de Chirel: Primarily Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon, from 80- to 110-year-old vines. Aged in French barrique for about 20 months. Only produced in exceptional vintages. Inaugural vintage 1986.
Average Total Production
- N/A
Summary
Don Camilo Hurtado de Amezaga founded the Marqués de Riscal estate in 1858, at a time when few wineries existed in the area. Always a lover of Bordeaux, Hurtado was devastated by the decimation of phylloxera but quickly realized that his current home in Rioja had great potential for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. He was the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in Rioja and employed Bordeaux techniques in his winemaking, aging his wines in French barrique for extended periods of time. The winery’s flagship wine, Barón de Chirel, was first released in 1986.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Marqués de Riscal is one of the most modern estates in Rioja. Their early Cabernet Sauvignon plantings and the use of the grape in their flagship wine, Barón de Chirel, showcase the winery’s innovation and willingness to depart from tradition. Their use of oak and choice of consulting, both French, also play an important role in their style. The late Paul Pontallier of Château Margaux served as the estate’s consultant for many years.
Producer Website: Marqués de Riscal