Marques de Riscal XR Special Release Reserva 2016 Spanish Red Wine Rioja 75cl The region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines. Much Rioja is blended from three districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja) and uses Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo red grape varieties and the diminishing influence of extended ageing in oak barrels. The origins of the house go back to 1858, when the Marques de Riscal, who was resident in Bordeaux, was asked to hire a French winemaker to help the locals improve their winemaking techniques. Today the company owns nearly 600 hectares of vines, across La Rioja, Rueda and Castilla y Leon regions.