{"product_id":"marques-de-riscal-rioja-xr-reserva-2021-pre-arrival-introductory-offer","title":"Marqués De Riscal Rioja XR Reserva 2021 (Pre-Arrival - Introductory Offer)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt Marqués de Riscal, there used to be “winemaker’s wines” among its historic reservas, like the Reserva Medoc and the XR, which never became commercial names. In the tradition of the cellarmasters from Bordeaux that have long been part of Riscal’s story, the winemaker marked some of the barrels in chalk with the letters XR (Extra Reserva) as a consequence of having found special characteristics which were not present in other wines. These wines were never sold but served as a reference point for the winemaker. This custom lasted almost a century, between the harvests of 1869 and 1964. In 2015, Marqués de Risca released a wine named XR, paying tribute to all the master winemakers who have helped to forge a part of the greatest history of Spanish wine in Marqués de Riscal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eExpert Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points James Suckling\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cb\u003eJuly 17, 2025\u003c\/b\u003e \"Dark mushrooms, spices and leather with cedar and black plums. Ripe yet juicy with plenty of blackberries and a twist of citrus and vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with dusty tannins and a very lengthy finish. Pretty traditional and linear, this Rioja is excellent to drink now but will benefit from extra time in bottle.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93  Points \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eMay 1, 2026\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \"Classic and focused with dark, layered flavors, this XR Reserva captures a deeper tone of Tempranillo with a body of black fruits, wet tobacco, spiced cocoa, and a drop of pine resin. Flavor fills the mouth while the wine maintains restraint with a medium body and plenty of length. Melting tannins bring persistence and the potential to enjoy after several more years in cellar.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cb\u003e93 Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cb\u003eNovember 16, 2025\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\"An ode to blending, the 2021 XR by Marques de Riscal Reserva is Tempranillo and Graciano made in a fruity, modern style, with sweet tannins and 25 months of American oak aging. Dark cherry, vanilla, and a rich dusting of cocoa powder give it a lustiness across layers of full-bodied concentration and decadence. Ready to enjoy, it will remain enjoyable another 10-12 years.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cb\u003eNovember 3, 2025\u003c\/b\u003e \"A structured version, with sculpted tannins wrapped in a fleshy range of coulised black cherry and black raspberry fruit, plus accents of candied violet, fennel seed, milled pepper and cured tobacco. Harmonious, this expands nicely on the palate and through the spiced finish.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eVINEYARD\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarques de Riscal’s important vineyards holdings and long term contracts are focused around a specific quality approach. For their Reservas they work exclusively with old vines, from before the 1970s, as they firmly believe that these are critical for the delicate Tempranillo grape to achieve appropriate concentration. They work in the coolest area of Rioja (Rioja Alavesa), at elevation, on soils that accentuate freshness and detail, and with a touch of Graciano; these factors bring forward the winery’s trademark vibrancy, refinement, and aging potential. The XR selection is always a barrel selection but in general can be said to come from vines that have lower natural yields and produce more concentrated fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWINEMAKING\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation takes place at a controlled temperature and is not over-extended, in order to bring delineation to the beautiful old vine concentration. The wine spends just over two years in American Oak Barrels with a small percentage in French oak. The beautiful concentration and irresistible fruit are kept at the forefront of the gentle handling process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eVINTAGE\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 season in Rioja Alavesa was defined by a cool, wet spring and a warm, even summer, ensuring steady ripening and excellent balance. Harvest began later than average, with yields slightly reduced but fruit quality exceptional. The wines show Rioja Alavesa’s hallmark tension: vibrant red fruit purity, fine-grained tannins, and lifted freshness. Precision in vineyard work and restrained cellar craft deliver wines of clarity and length that highlight the region’s leadership in expressive, age-worthy Tempranillo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTASTING NOTE\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpressive aromas of fruit intermingle with a multitude of spices and pepper. The ripe, concentrated fruit shows beautiful complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFOOD PAIRING\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHam, mild cheeses, rich pastas, poultry, grilled red meats or roasts\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"67","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54010498384155,"sku":"210000061062","price":38.21,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0694\/1789\/4171\/files\/fkag4qao9m2z7qfq0xkw.jpg?v=1790025926","url":"https:\/\/67wine.com\/products\/marques-de-riscal-rioja-xr-reserva-2021-pre-arrival-introductory-offer","provider":"67","version":"1.0","type":"link"}