Marqués de Riscal

Awards & Recognition

First non‑French winery to receive Honorific Diploma at Bordeaux International Exhibition, 1895
Listed #27 in Drinks International’s “World’s Most Admired Wine Brands” 2025 
Barón de Chirel Reserva and XR labels noted for benchmark quality new-style Rioja

About Marqués de Riscal

Marqués de Riscal, officially Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, is one of the oldest Rioja estates, founded in Elciego, Rioja Alavesa, in 1858 by Camilo Hurtado de Amézaga, the 6th Marquess of Riscal, who initiated the use of Bordeaux techniques and grape varieties in Rioja. The estate spans approximately 500 ha of vineyards directly owned, with control over another 900 ha in Rioja and holdings in Rueda and Castilla y León.

The soils—primarily calcareous clay and ferrous clay—deliver structure and elegance to Tempranillo-led wines, while grapes imported from Bordeaux in the 1860s (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir) shaped a unique Rioja identity. Under modern leadership, the house combines historic barrel cellars and extended aging in American and French oak with ultra-modern design—Frank Gehry’s 2006 “City of Wine” complex, integrating hotel, spa, vineyard tours, and avant-garde architecture.

Their portfolio includes traditional red Rioja, Rueda whites, and single-vineyard expressions, numbering over 7 million bottles annually

History

Founding with Bordeaux Influence (1858–1895)

Camilo Hurtado de Amézaga, based in Bordeaux, imported French vine‑cuttings and hired Jean Pineau of Château Lanessan in 1858. The winery was among the first in Rioja to use barriques and French techniques (Wikipedia). Its first bottled vintage appeared in 1862, and in 1895 it became the first non‑French winery awarded an Honorific Diploma at the Bordeaux International Exhibition

Expansion & Innovation (1883–1930s)

In 1883, the winery expanded with a Bordeaux-style building known as “El Palomar.” By the early 20th century, it had inspired traditional Rioja use of golden-wire sheath on bottles to prevent counterfeits 

Diversification & Modern Era (1972–2000s)

In 1972 Marqués de Riscal began producing white wines in Rueda, planting Sauvignon Blanc; by 1980 these wines had earned Rueda DO status. In 1986, the Barón de Chirel Reserva debuted, heralding a modern-era Rioja style

The Ciudad del Vino Era (2003–Present)

The Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marqués de Riscal and winery complex—known as the “City of Wine”—opened in 2006, blending hospitality and winemaking in a deconstructivist landmark. The estate maintains a commitment to terroir through single‑vineyard selections and aging traditions

Wine Styles

Traditional Rioja Reds

Predominantly Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo, aged extensively in American and French oak. Gran Reserva 890 and 904 deliver complexity, structure, and longevity; Barón de Chirel showcases Alicante elegance from old-vine fruit

Rueda Blancos

Since the 1970s, the estate has produced Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo whites under Rueda DO, offering freshness and crisp varietal purity

Single-Vineyard & Terroir-Focused Labels

Recent focus on vineyard-specific expressions such as Finca Torrea and XR (a selection of barrel‑marked reserves), blending tradition with modern precision

Wine Portfolio

Gran Reserva 890

Landmark Long-Age Tempranillo

Blend:

Tempranillo with small percentages of Graciano & Mazuelo

Awards & Recognition:

Historic top-rated Rioja

Benchmark aged expression

Gran Reserva 904

Rich, Graciano-Enhanced Classic Rioja

Blend:

~90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano

Awards & Recognition:

Celebrated for depth and balance across vintages

Barón de Chirel Reserva

Old‑Vine Elegance from 19th-Century Philosophy

Blend:

Tempranillo with small additions; early expression launched in 1986

Awards & Recognition:

Considered a precursor of contemporary Rioja style