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.
Within the 300 hectare Ygay estate, surrounding the winery in the southern point of Rioja Alta wine area. There is an altitude difference of 165 metres between the lowest point at 320 metres and the highest peak at 485 metres.
Grapes are first de-stemmed then fermented in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks for eight days, with constant skin contact. During fermentation wine is both pumped over and also the cap is pressed into the fermenting wine. Afterwards the must is pressed in vertical presses with double screws. This is a smooth and slow treatment that offers maximum extraction of colour and tannins that reside in the skins. The ageing process is 30 months in 225 litre American oak barrels and 24 months in bottle before release.
Manual harvest: from 16th September to 9th October.
Dark intense red brick colour. Full, mature aroma of mellow red and dark fruits with hint of spicy oak. Full bodied and generous mellow fruit softening as it matures. Lovely finish and aftertaste of spicy fruit as it starts to soften and mature.
All kind of red meats, bellota ham, grilled fish and dishes with rich sauces.
Serve at 16º-18º C. Open one hour before serving.
Rioja Alta, Spain
84% Tempranillo
13% Garnacha Tinta
3% Mazuelo
Natural cork
14%
