Marqués de Murrieta, Castillo Ygay, Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja, Spain, 2011

Grape Variety: 81% Tempranillo, 19% Mazuelo

The result of many years of experience, this is a renowned historic label, an icon of the Rioja Grandes Reservas – quality and excellence.

Made only in the finest vintages, this famous wine is among the most revered Gran Reservas. The ageing process sees it spend no less than 28 months in American oak barriques before a further 36 months in bottle before release.

As a living legend of Rioja, which has survived three centuries, this wine is destined to break records for its surprising vivacity of intense cherry colour which gives an amazing complexity. Its nose exhibits an aromatic intensity which seduces us with its red fruits, floral notes of truffles, incense and spicy touches. It caresses the palate with a satin texture. A Gran Reserva that shows strength, elegant bouquet, fruity intensity and impeccable balance.

Castillo Ygay is always made from grapes sourced from La Plana single-vineyard, planted in 1950 and located on a plateau at the highest point of the Finca Ygay, at 485 metres above sea level.

Marqués de Murrieta was one of two pioneers in the production of Rioja wines, this bodega was established in 1852 and is proudly old-fashioned in its approach. All the grapes are sourced from the bodega’s own vineyards at Ygay near Logroño, which were recently extended to 300ha. Traditional grape varities are grown Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha Blanca and Viura, many of which have now disappeared from the region.

The wines of Murrieta wines are produced by traditional methods, ageing their wines in wood for a minimum of two years (much longer than at any other Bodegas) and there are 14,000 casks for that purpose. The bodegas produces a small range of wines that include the Marqués de Murrieta, the glorious and very rare Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial (aged in excess of 36 months in American oak) and since 1995, a premium super-cuvée, Dalmau. The latter stands out for the inclusion of 10% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, alongside the 85% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano, but also for the use of small French barriques, in which the wine is aged for a period of typically 19 months.