Marques de Murrieta

Marqués de Murrieta was one of two pioneers in the production of Rioja wines, this bodega was established in 1852 and is proudly old-fashioned in its approach. All the grapes are sourced from the bodega's own vineyards at Ygay near Logroño, which were recently extended to 300ha. Traditional grape varities are grown Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha Blanca and Viura, many of which have now disappeared from the region.

The wines of Murrieta wines are produced by traditional methods, ageing their wines in wood for a minimum of two years (much longer than at any other Bodegas) and there are 14,000 casks for that purpose. The bodegas produces a small range of wines that include the Marqués de Murrieta, the glorious and very rare Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial (aged in excess of 36 months in American oak) and since 1995, a premium super-cuvée, Dalmau. The latter stands out for the inclusion of 10% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, alongside the 85% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano, but also for the use of small French barriques, in which the wine is aged for a period of typically 19 months.