From: Rioja Alta, Spain
Varietals: 83% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 6% Mazuelo (Cariñena), 2% Garnacha
Taste and Critical Acclaim: "Beautifully perfumed with dried flowers, walnuts and violets to the dark berries on the nose. Full-bodied, yet very tight and refined with creamy, chewy tannins that are polished and poised. A lively, finely crafted red. Nice to drink now, but shows excellent potential for the future." –James Suckling, 95 points (September 2021)
“A great classic, with a unique Rioja character, bursting with chewy red fruits, counterpointed by minerality. Reconciling power and finesse, pleasure and style. Warm and intense. Benchmark for wines of style, high-end brands. Leaves a vibrant memory.” –Decanter, 94 points (November 2021)
“Deep, glistening ruby-red. Cherry, red currant, pipe tobacco and floral and vanilla accents on the expressive nose. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry, red berry, spicecake and candied rose flavors and a sweetening mocha flourish. Finishes very long and gently chewy, with a repeating cherry note and fine-grained tannins adding gentle grip. This is quite a successful wine given the challenges of the vintage.” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media, 92 points (April 2021)
"Lightly baked and leathery berry aromas are subtle. This wine is racy and clipping on the palate, with popping acidity. Spiced plum and cherry flavors are backed by oaky vanilla prior to a persistent finish with classic Rioja notes of oak, tomato and bright acidity." –Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast, 92 points (September 2021)
Pairing: Inspired by a pairing suggestion from Marques de Murrieta's website, we'd recommend this recipe for Lamb Chops Sizzled with Garlic by Janet Mendel.
About. Marques de Murrieta is named after Luciano de Murrieta, one of the founding fathers of modern Rioja winemaking, who established the estate in 1852. Today V. Dalmau Cebrian-Sagarriga, Count of Creixell, leads the family-owned company. With a vision of innovation and respect for tradition, Marques de Murrieta is rooted in strong, historical fundamentals that shape the vision and philosophy of this iconic Spanish brand. The winery is near the southern tip of the Rioja Alta in the middle of the beautiful Ygay Estate, a unique 740-acre vineyard that guarantees complete control over the grape source and is the key to the quality and style of Marques de Murrieta wines.
For this Reserva, grapes are sourced entirely from the Ygay Estate: 740 acres of vineyards surrounding the winery in the southernmost point of Rioja Alta. Altitude ranges from 1000 to 1500 feet above sea level. 16 months in new and partly new American oak barrels and a year and a half in bottle before release.
