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 crushed and after a short skin contact they are gently pressed in a vertical press. This is a gentle and slow process that favors the extraction of all the aromatic potential from our low-yield Viura grapes. The juice is then settled and fermented in a temperature-controlled stainless steel tank for 24 days. 15 months in 225-litre new French oak barrels, bottled June 2018.
A cool growing season produced fresh, savory wines. A welcome increase in volume and quality on 2013.
Complex aromas of quince, pear, fresh almonds and toasted notes combine with a distinct salinity. Powerful, elegant and fresh on the palate with great acidity. A touch of creaminess, with camomile, dried apricots and pears with just a touch of honey.
Smoked fish, white meat, foie, cheeses, Asian food and rice dishes.
Serve at 14º-15º C. Open one hour before serving.
Robert Parker: 92 POINTS
The Wine Advocate: 92 POINTS
June 29, 2019, Luis Gutiérrez
“Other than the rare Castillo de Ygay, whose next potential vintage could be 1998, the one white produced at Marqués de Murrieta is the 2014 Capellanía. It’s pure Viura from the vineyard inside the estate that names the wine, six hectares planted in 1945. The bunches were pressed in a vertical press, and the wine was let to settle before fermenting in stainless steel for 24 days. 2014 was a challenging year, and Viura is also sensitive to botrytis. So, they had to be careful with the picking date, the first grapes to be harvested in the first half of September. The wine matured in new French oak barrels for 15 months. This is a lighter vintage, and the nose has developed a little faster. This has complexity and nuance, and in a way, it reminds me of the 2013, also a cooler year.”
Wine Spectator: 90 POINTS
February 28, 2019, Tom Matthews
“This graceful white shows the lanolin and coconut notes of the traditional style, along with juicy quince and pear flavors. Fresh and lively overall, with bright acidity imparting youthful vitality, while spice and floral accents add depth. Drink now through 2022.”
JamesSuckling.com: 93 POINTS
August 2, 2018, James Suckling
“This is a very impressive food-wine. The discreet candied lemon and lime notes are underlined by the French oak and the medium-full palate is dry, but silky with a long, refined finish. Named after the plot where the viura vines of the estate are grown.”
Decanter: 92 POINTS
July 8, 2018, Sarah Jane Evans MW
“Viura with some 15 months in new French oak: succulent richness, quince, pear, nutmeg and cinnamon notes.”
Rioja Alta, Spain
100% Viura
Natural Cork
13.5%
No
No
