Founded in 1852, Marqués de Murrieta is one of the most historic estates in Rioja Alta, renowned for crafting wines of depth, longevity and classical elegance. Their legacy includes icons like Castillo Ygay, cherished by collectors worldwide. Despite its long history, the estate continues to evolve. The 300-hectare Ygay estate is also home to Dalmau, a modern, avant-garde expression that showcases the forward-thinking side of this traditional bodega. Today, Marqués de Murrieta stands as a benchmark for Rioja, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation.

Vineyards

The grapes come from the Ygay estate surrounding the winery at the southern tip of Rioja Alta. The vineyards span altitudes from 320 to 485 metres, allowing for distinct microclimates and a natural layering of flavour and aromatics in the fruit. This diversity, combined with the estate’s meticulous viticulture, forms the backbone of the wine’s complexity.

Winemaking

After de-stemming, the grapes ferment in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 8 to 10 days with continuous skin contact. Gentle remontage and pigeage ensure full colour and aroma extraction without excessive tannin. The pressings are handled in traditional vertical presses, a slow, careful process that enhances aromatic finesse. The wine then ages for 24 months in 225-litre American oak barrels, developing structure, smoothness and subtle spicy notes.

Vintage Information

The 2020 growing season was rated “excellent” by the Rioja Consejo Regulador. Warmer, more Mediterranean conditions defined the year, with early budbreak and smaller berries resulting in concentrated, high-quality fruit. A dry summer and stable autumn brought clean, healthy grapes to harvest. Picking at Marqués de Murrieta took place from 10 September to 8 October, yielding fruit with remarkable ripeness and aromatic intensity.

Tasting Note

The 2020 vintage opens with a deeply expressive nose of strawberry, cherry and red plum layered with black pepper, sandalwood, Mediterranean herbs and delicate red-tea notes. The palate is framed by silky tannins and lifted by a fresh, lively acidity that adds elegance and precision. The finish is long, graceful and beautifully defined. According to Technical Director María Vargas, the vintage is distinguished by its exceptional ripeness and impeccable texture, and that radiance shines through in every sip.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs effortlessly with refined dishes such as scallops with red wine sauce, twice-cooked sea bass with sweet onion and apple, roast Mallard duck with crisp potato, and soft cow’s-milk cheeses enriched with truffle.

Serving Suggestion

Serve between 16°C and 18°C. Opening the bottle one hour before serving allows the wine’s full aromatic range to unfurl.

Grape Varieties

Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha

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