But Marqués de Riscal does not only induce some of the best wines of the Rioja. In the mid-70s, winemakers have discovered the Rueda as origin for fresh, fruity and elegant white wines from the domestic Verdejo grape variety, and thus laid the foundation for later Denominación de Origen Rueda. Prior to its discovery by Marqués de Riscal, this varietal was vinified only strongly oxidative, like Sherry. It is extremely sensitive when exposed to oxygen and must be inserted due to the temperatures at night. Processing has to be done without any contact to oxygen. Apart from Blanco Verdejo the modern winery of Marqués de Riscal in Rueda produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a selection of finest Verdejo grapes, which, as the name Limousin already suggests, matures in wooden barrels. Furthermore, for a few years the winemakers obtain a highly modern and acclaimed red wine from Tempranillo grapes of the surrounding region of Castilla y Leon, bearing the year of establishment of the famous parent house: "1860".

Tradition meets modernity
For 150 years, the name of the purveyors to the Spanish Court Marqués de Riscal represents tradition and modernity. Unbridled courage to innovation and at the same time responsibility for the great oenological heritage of the Rioja is also proven by the collaboration with the American architect Frank O. Gehry. He designed the “Cuidad del Vino” for Marqués de Riscal - a winery, an information center and a hotel of superlatives on top of the historic cellars in Elciego. In addition to this unparalleled monument in Spain, the creative partnership with Frank O. Gehry has produced two wines that are as modern as its architecture. The oenologists of Marqués de Riscal have turned the hand-picked vintage of two individual vineyards in the Rueda (Montico) and Rioja (Torrea) into very elegant wines, both full of character and yet youthfully fresh and easy consumable wines whose exceptional labels were inspired by Frank O. Gehry.