Marques de Murrieta - Rioja Gran Reserva 2016
IN STOCK
$80.00
Marqués de Murrieta is named after Luciano de Murrieta, one of the founding fathers of modern Rioja winemaking, who established the estate in 1852 in the world-renowned Rioja region of Spain. The Rioja region is located in Northern Spain on both banks of the Ebro River, providing exceptional natural conditions for the cultivation of vineyards. Today V. Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, Count of Creixell, leads the family-owned company.
With a vision of innovation and respect for tradition, Marqués de Murrieta is rooted in strong, historical fundamentals that shape the vision and philosophy of this iconic Spanish brand. The winery is settled near the southern tip of Rioja Alta in the middle of the beautiful Ygay Estate, a unique 740-acre vineyard that guarantees complete control over the grape source of the wines and is the key to the quality and style of Marqués de Murrieta wines.
Grape varieties are vinified separately. Previously destemmed, the grapes ferment in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Fermentation takes between 8 and 12 days during which, pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out to ensure the contact between juice and skins. Afterwards, the solid parts of the grapes are squashed in a vertical press, by a gentle process that extracts color and ripe tannins from the grape skins. 82% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 8% Mazuelo, aged 26 months in 225-liter American oak barrels.
"The 2016 Gran Reserva is a meticulously crafted blend of 82% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 8% Mazuelo sourced from the esteemed Ygay Estate in Rioja Alta. It aged for up to 26 months in American oak barrels. This wine epitomizes the essence of Rioja reds when vineyard management and winemaking precision align with a distinct stylistic vision. Presenting an opaque garnet hue, it entices with a bouquet of complex aromas: plum marmalade, herbal undertones, maraschino cherry, dried fruits, licorice and subtle hints of balsamic and menthol. On the palate, it offers a dry and robust profile with a velvety, juicy texture. The finish is long, balanced and harmonious. The 2016 vintage exemplifies a wine crafted for aging, just beginning to reveal the nuances and intricacies of a bouquet that will evolve with time." - 96 Points, Vinous
"Poised and harmonious, with a generous range of plum sauce, chopped black cherry, Earl Grey tea, graphite and cola notes sculpted by fine, chalky tannins. Long and fragrant, this is fresh and focused on the palate, with appealing hints of cocoa powder, dried lavender and leather lingering on the finish. Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2036." - 93 Points, Wine Spectator
Producer: Marques de Murrieta
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Varietal: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
Appellation: Rioja Gran Reserva
Vintage: 2016
Size: 750ml