Established in 1852, Murrieta is one of the oldest and most respected bodegas in Rioja Alta. Their wines are concentrated and long-lived and some, like “Castillo Ygay”, have become legendary amongst wine-lovers. Marqués de Murrieta has not stood back and stagnated however; their 300 hectare estate produces Dalmau – a blend which represents an avant-garde expression of their terroir.
A selection of the best fruit available in selected vintages from an old single vineyard called “Canajas” plot. It is located at 465 metres altitude within the 300 hectare Ygay estate surrounding the winery in the southern point of Rioja Alta wine area. Special green harvest techniques – crop thinning – are carried out in the pursuit for fresh concentration and complexity.
Grapes are first carefully de-stemmed and then fermented both in a temperature controlled, stainless steel tank and a wooden vat for 11 days, with daily “remontage” and “delestage” processes, in order to obtain full potential of the perfect condition grapes. While Tempranillo ferments in three stainless steel deposits, Cabernet Sauvignon and Graciano ferment individually in a wooden vat. The grapes are vinified separately to keep their character intact. The ageing process is 19 months in 225 litre new French oak barrels and 12 months in bottle before release.
The Graciano was hand-picked on October 17th, the Tempranillo on October 19th and the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 22nd.
Dalmau has a complex nose, with aromas of wild berries, cassis and dark chocolate, combined with creamy, spicy aromas following ageing in new French oak barrels. An elegant wine which impresses in every way, with body and harmony, of magnificent balance which creates a powerful wine.
All red meats, roasts and game. Excellent also with cheeses.
Serve at 16º-18º C. Open one hour before serving.
Robert Parker: 94 Points
Rioja Alta, Spain
71% Tempranillo
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
14% Graciano
Natural cork
14.5%
