Trailblazing Spanish winery selects fine wine importer to elevate its presence nationally
February 11 2025, New York, NY — Marqués de Riscal, one of the most historic and innovative wineries in Spain, is proud to announce its partnership with VINTUS as its exclusive distribution partner in the United States, effective immediately. This strategic collaboration marks a key milestone for Marqués de Riscal as it seeks to elevate its U.S. presence and cement its status as the benchmark for premium Spanish wine, with a portfolio that includes renowned labels such as Barón de Chirel, Marqués de Riscal Reserva, Maqués de Riscal Verdejo, Finca Montico, Marqués de Riscal Limousin, Finca Torrea, Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva, and the limited-edition Gehry Selection.
“Partnering with VINTUS marks an exciting new chapter for Marqués de Riscal in the United States,” says Ricardo Diéguez Jiménez de la Espada, General Manager of Marqués de Riscal. “We are confident that VINTUS’ expertise and reputation as a leading fine wine importer will help us grow our premium range and expand our presence to become leaders in all classes of trade, an opportunity that presents tremendous potential.”
Founded in 1858 in the village of Elciego, Rioja Alavesa, Marqués de Riscal is one of Rioja’s oldest wineries and played a pivotal role in establishing the Rioja appellation. Its high-altitude vineyards contribute to the elegance and refinement that define Riscal wines, a hallmark that extends to its groundbreaking work beyond Rioja. It was also the first Rioja winery to establish itself in Rueda, where it pioneered the production of Verdejo, now one of Spain’s most celebrated white wines. Today, Verdejo from Marqués de Riscal is made exclusively with organic grapes, reflecting the winery’s dedication to sustainability.
Marqués de Riscal has made a firm commitment to organic agriculture. Respect for the environment, the indigenous fauna, and the ecosystem makes agriculture more sustainable and extends the life of the vineyards, ensuring the future quality of its wines.
Their organic philosophy is built on three key elements:
Recovering the varietal character and terroir expression: Organic agriculture allows vines to develop deeper root systems, enhancing their ability to absorb mineral compounds from the soil naturally, without reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This results in wines with greater purity, authenticity, and a true sense of place.
Ensuring vineyard longevity: By eliminating synthetic chemicals, vines develop their own natural defense mechanisms, becoming stronger, healthier, and more resistant to environmental challenges. This self-sufficiency is critical for maintaining the long-term quality of the wines.
Adapting to climate change: Organic farming restores soil structure and vitality, allowing vines to access a greater reservoir of water and nutrients. This increases resilience against extreme weather conditions such as droughts and heat waves, ensuring sustainability in the face of a changing climate.
Marqués de Riscal’s dedication to exceptional viticulture ensures the production of outstanding wines year after year. The estate owns 540 hectares of vineyards in Rioja Alavesa and directly manages another 900 in the surrounding areas—an impressive scale that reflects its dedication to quality. Through extensive grafting of select old vines onto younger rootstocks, Riscal has preserved the character of its vineyards while ensuring optimal yields and fruit quality. This hands-on approach underscores the winery’s leadership in sustainable farming practices and vineyard management.
Recently recognized as the #1 Best Vineyard in the World by World’s Best Vineyards 2024, Marqués de Riscal is a globally recognized enotourism destination. A visit to its “City of Wine” offers a unique cultural and sensory experience, featuring three on-site restaurants, a luxurious spa, and the iconic Frank Gehry-designed hotel that anchors the estate.
Michael Quinttus, Founder and CEO of VINTUS, commented: “Marqués de Riscal represents the rare combination of history, substance, contemporary leadership, and family ownership. It is a privilege to welcome such an iconic estate into the VINTUS portfolio, and we look forward to bringing their exceptional wines to a wider audience in the U.S. market. With their focus on premium quality and innovation, there is a significant opportunity to grow their presence throughout the trade and to expand their consumer awareness.”
VINTUS, recognized for its award-winning portfolio of family-owned, terroir-driven wineries, is uniquely positioned to amplify Marqués de Riscal’s impact in the U.S. Through this partnership, the focus will be on increasing the visibility and distribution of key wines, including the classic Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva, Marqués de Riscal Verdejo, and Arienzo Crianza, both of which are poised for strong growth in the U.S. market.
For more information about Marqués de Riscal and its partnership with VINTUS, please contact Alyssa Faden, Afaden@vintus.com.
About Marqués de Riscal
Founded in 1858, Marqués de Riscal is one of Spain’s most historic wineries, recognized for introducing French winemaking techniques to Spain. With its innovative practices and commitment to sustainability, Marqués de Riscal has shaped the landscape of Spanish wine. Its celebrated portfolio includes Rioja Reserva, Gran Reserva, Barón de Chirel, and Gehry Selection, as well as its pioneering white wine, Rueda Verdejo.
Marqués de Riscal is also internationally renowned for its City of Wine, a groundbreaking enotourism complex designed by Frank Gehry. This destination features a luxury hotel, a wide range of gastronomic options that range from the most traditional regional cuisine to the most avant-garde dishes, and immersive cultural experiences that celebrate the intersection of wine, art, and gastronomy.
Recognized globally, Marqués de Riscal was named the #1 Best Vineyard in the World in the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 ranking, solidifying its status as a leader in both winemaking and enotourism. For more information, visit www.marquesderiscal.com.
About VINTUS
VINTUS is a leading fine wine importer representing a global portfolio of family-owned producers committed to excellence. With a focus on exceptional terroir-driven wines, VINTUS has earned recognition as a trusted partner for fine wine distribution in the United States. Learn more at www.vintus.com.