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.
An old single vineyard called Capellania located at 485 meters altitude within the 300 hectare Ygay estate surrounding the winery in the southern point of Rioja Alta wine area.
Grapes are first carefully squeezed and then pressed gently in a vertical press. This is a smooth and slow process. Fermentation takes place in a temperature controlled stainless steel tank for 24 days without skin contact. The juice then spends 20 months in 225 litre new French oak barrels. Bottling date: 2nd September 2013.
Manual harvest in boxes: 15th and 17th September.
Pale gold. Intense aroma of ripe golden fruit with smoke and almonds. The palate is dry and savoury with oak vanilla overlaid with golden fruit, and a lovely balancing freshness on the finish. A modern take on the traditional white Rioja style.
Smoked fish, white meat, foie, cheeses, Asian food and rice dishes
Serve at 14º-15º C. Open one hour before serving.
Tim Atkin MW: 94 Points
Decanter: 93 Points
Rioja Alta, Spain
100% Viura
Natural cork
13.5%