Wine: Marqués de Riscal 1976Winery: Marqués de Riscal (Elciego, Álava)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano, 7% Mazuelo, 1% Viura and other white varietals
ABV: 11.8%
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano, 7% Mazuelo, 1% Viura and other white varietals
ABV: 11.8%
Winemaking
Grapes sourced from smallholders’ plots in Rioja Alavesa (Elciego, Leza, Laguardia, and Labastida). It contains a negligible percentage of white varietals, primarily Viura, as it was customary at the time to plant a few white vines at the head of the rows for family consumption, which were harvested alongside the red grapes. The wine spent one year in tanks, followed by 36 to 42 months of aging in 225-liter barrels. It rested for a minimum of 12 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release.
Grapes sourced from smallholders’ plots in Rioja Alavesa (Elciego, Leza, Laguardia, and Labastida). It contains a negligible percentage of white varietals, primarily Viura, as it was customary at the time to plant a few white vines at the head of the rows for family consumption, which were harvested alongside the red grapes. The wine spent one year in tanks, followed by 36 to 42 months of aging in 225-liter barrels. It rested for a minimum of 12 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release.
Technical Data (Winery Archive)
The last official tasting by the winery (March 24, 2011) recorded an ABV of 11.8%, a pH of 3.62, and a Polyphenol Index of 36. The winery described it as "maintaining a correct medium-bodied ruby color, with aromas of leather, cedar, and elegant spices; persistent and slightly tart (acidulo) on the palate."
The last official tasting by the winery (March 24, 2011) recorded an ABV of 11.8%, a pH of 3.62, and a Polyphenol Index of 36. The winery described it as "maintaining a correct medium-bodied ruby color, with aromas of leather, cedar, and elegant spices; persistent and slightly tart (acidulo) on the palate."
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby of low depth; broad brick-colored rim with almost no
variation between the meniscus and the edge. Clean and brilliant,
showing orange and reddish highlights with fine legs.
Nose:
A wine of profound Riojan classicism—clean, open, and of good
intensity. It possesses a deep varietal character, with hints of very
ripe red fruit (cherries, plums, and withered flowers) alongside
wine-soaked vats, seasoned staves, fine leather, "barnyard" notes, and
wet fur. The Tempranillo contributes elegant vegetal notes that meld
with finely vanillic and creamy oak.
Palate: Displays great poise and integrity. Even four hours after opening, the wine remains tight and well-structured showing no signs of decline. On the palate, it is somewhat broad yet
dry, fresh, savory, and vibrant, with polished yet lively tannins and a
well-judged acidity that makes it shine. This is a red of full tertiary
character, filling the room with a palette of exotic woods (cedar,
Russian birch, fine cabinetry) that provide a very elegant vanilla
nuance and subtle background spices. The Crianza level wines from Riscal rival any Reserva
of the era. It carries its 36 years beautifully and remains in peak
condition. A style of Rioja that bets on subtlety and elegance over the
muscularity of a Gran Reserva,
offering a lighter, fresher, and more approachable profile. A great
opportunity to experience the rare 1976 vintage, which has left us very
few long-lived examples.
Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 93
Tasting Group Score: 93
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