Home Wine
- sandyena benyoussef
- Jul 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Marqués de Reinosa & Azabache — A Taste of Tradition
La Rioja is a region where wine transcends the glass. It is landscape, heritage, and a way of understanding life itself. The rhythm of the seasons, the texture of the soil, the quiet devotion of those who work the vineyards — all of it shapes the wines that have made this corner of Spain legendary. Among the many wines crafted here, Marqués de Reinosa and Azabache stand out to us as especially evocative expressions of this land.
This introduction, however, is not merely about celebrated bottles. It is about the people behind them.
Jose Mari was born in La Rioja, into a family whose relationship with the land was intimate and unbroken. His parents were farmers, custodians of the vines long before these wines reached restaurants or tasting rooms. Their hands carried the weight of tradition; their days were measured by the needs of the vineyard, the generosity of the harvest, and the quiet pride of work done with purpose.
Both Autol and Aldeanueva de Ebro are home to cooperatives that unite hundreds of farming families, each contributing to a wide portfolio of wines crafted under multiple labels. Marqués de Reinosa and Azabache are simply the ones closest to our hearts — ambassadors of a much larger community of growers whose work defines the region.
By choosing them for our wedding, we are raising a glass not only to their quality, but to everything they represent: the heritage of La Rioja, the dignity of its farmers, and the legacy of the people who shaped the man I am marrying.
Marqués de Reinosa — A Rich Heritage in Every Glass
Named for the Marquis of Reinosa, whose estate once anchored the vineyards of Autol, Marqués de Reinosa carries with it a discreet noble lineage. Today, the winery stands as the evolution of that heritage: a cooperative shaped by the families who farm these lands, yet still infused with the refinement and quiet prestige of its historic origins. The wines themselves reflect this dual identity — generous, balanced, and crafted for unhurried enjoyment. They invite you to linger at the table, to savor the sobremesa, and to reconnect with the simple luxury of sharing a bottle born from both noble history and the enduring labor of Rioja’s farmers.
What makes Marqués de Reinosa special?
Grapes: Primarily Tempranillo, with a careful blend of Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. The result? A rich, full-bodied red that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, stews, and, of course, tapas.
Aging: Aged in oak barrels for the perfect balance of tannins and fruit. It’s smooth, with a slightly smoky undertone and notes of dark fruit, spices, and a touch of vanilla.
Perfect for: Enjoying during a long dinner, at family gatherings, or on special occasions like weddings — like ours!
Azabache — A Bold Expression of Rioja’s Character
Azabache comes from Aldeanueva de Ebro, another village where wine is a way of life. This is where Jose’s parents Lived and worked the vines, contributing to the cooperative that has shaped the region’s wines since 1956. Azabache is their legacy: A wine born from the hands of real farmers, crafted from land they knew intimately. If you’re looking for something exceptional with true Rioja intensity, this is the wine. Full-bodied, rich, and layered with deep, dark flavors, Azabache leaves a lasting impression. It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it transforms the way you experience Rioja. And it is not only because of its supreme quality, but because of the generations of work, tradition, and heart behind every bottle.
Why we love Azabache:
Grapes: A blend of the finest Tempranillo and other local varieties. It’s a wine that feels grounded in the earth, with a touch of elegance that comes from its careful aging.
Tasting Notes: Azabache brings together black cherry, plum, and chocolate, along with earthy undertones. It’s a wine that opens up over time, revealing new layers with every sip.
Aged for Perfection: With oak aging that imparts a rich, round flavor, it’s the kind of wine you want to drink slowly, paired with hearty dishes or a plate of fine cheese.
Both Marqués de Reinosa and Azabache hold a special place in our hearts, but they are only two voices within the larger chorus of wines produced by the cooperatives of Autol and Aldeanueva de Ebro.
And what better way to celebrate our wedding than with the wines we truly believe in? We hope you’ll enjoy them just as much as we do.
A Toast to Tradition — And to the People Behind It
PS: All descriptions here reflect our personal perspective and experience
Comments