It Tastes Like Grapes: (R) Marqués De Riscal: "Próximo" Rioja 2009, from Elciego, Álava, Spain

Welcome

Welcome

This is a resource for people who want to buy an interesting bottle of wine on a budget of about $20. If you get lost between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and have access to a Dan Murphy's or Vintage Cellars (or Aldi, as of 2015!), you've come to the right place. Where possible, wines are listed with their single-bottle price from DM/VC/A and the winery's home page.

A good place to start is the 'Index', or if you know what type of wine you want, head straight to the 'Recommended Reds', 'Worthy Whites' or 'Stunning Sparklers' that only show 4 & 5☆ wines.

Your experience will be different to everyone else's, which makes wine such a pleasure. The same vintage wine at different ages will be distinct, as will the same aged wines from different vintages. What the glass holds is a unique parcel of time that should be enjoyed as such.

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

(R) Marqués De Riscal: "Próximo" Rioja 2009, from Elciego, Álava, Spain

Smell
Early: Soft oaky dark cherries
Later: Slightly sweet plums & cherries

Taste
This Spanish blend opens with woody and slightly spicy sour cherries and a moderately dry mouthfeel. With time in the glass, the woodiness is subdued & replaced by tannic astringency (dryness) and a softer bramble berry fruitiness with everpresent spices lingering.

Tale
Founded in 1858 near the town of Elciego in the Rioja appellation, the winery has slowly expanded to include vineyards from the Rueda and Toro appellations. Nevertheless, almost 3/4 of the vines grow within the Rioja region and all the grapes are developed into original, fresh and elegant wines that are easy to drink, with 60% of production destined for the export market.

Composition (2010 composition)

Tempranillo 93%

Graciano 5%

Mazuelo 2%

Tempranillo 93%

Graciano 5%

Mazuelo 2%

Tempranillo 93%

Graciano 5%

Mazuelo 2%

93% Tempranillo
5% Graciano
3% Mazuelo (Carignan)

Price: $10
Quality: ☆☆☆☆
Value: ☆☆☆☆

http://www.marquesderiscal.com/vinos_detalleeng.php?id=25
http://danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_355668