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 20 months in 225 litre new French oak barrels and 12 months in bottle before release. Bottling date: 5th July 2012.
The Tempranillo was picked on 29th September, the Cabernet on 5th October and the Graciano on 28th September .
Very dark intense purple-red colour. Deep ripe aroma of red and black fruits with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Intense concentration of dark cherry fruit overlaid with cassis. Full bodied and intense with perfect balance of silky tannins and bright finish. Elegant and classy style. Great potential for long term development.
All red meats, roasts and game. Excellent also with cheeses.
Serve at 16º-18º C. Open one hour before serving.
“Top 100” Wines, Wines from Spain Awards 2014: Best Value Red Category
Wine Enthusiast: 93 points
Wine Spectator: 92 points
Parker / Wine Advocate: 94 points
Rioja Alta, Spain
74% Tempranillo
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
11% Graciano
Natural cork
14.5%