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. Bottled 14th January 2016.
Variable weather throughout the year. It was the fifth consecutive small vintage, thanks in large part to very dry conditions. The berries were smaller than normal and have produced wines of great concentration and slightly higher tannins. Tempranillo was hand-picked on September 16th, Cabernet Sauvignon on September 20th and Graciano on September 25th.
It has a complex and velvety nose, with an explosion of aromas of wild fruits, dark chocolate and mineral notes, elegantly combined with the creamy toasting of its ageing in the new French oak barrels. An elegant and extraordinary 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.
Rioja Alta, Spain
70% Tempranillo
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Graciano
Natural cork
14.5%
