Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2021

Winery Background and History

Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta, founded in 1852, is one of Rioja’s most historic and prestigious estates—often described as part of the “Rioja aristocracy” . Based in Rioja Alta on the Ygay Estate, the winery blends tradition and modernity under the leadership of the Cebrián-Sagarriga family and winemaker María Vargas . Their Reserva line exemplifies this ethos, representing their flagship red wine estate-wide.

Producer and Wine Maker

This vintage was crafted under the guidance of head winemaker María Vargas and her team . Fruit is sourced from the estate’s vineyards across the Ygay Estate. The production reflects a precise focus on vineyard selection, controlled vinification in stainless steel, gentle extraction, and barrel aging in American oak .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes come from the Ygay Estate’s 300 hectares of vineyards in southern Rioja Alta, planted on limestone-clay soils at elevations between 320–485 m . The continental climate—moderate day–night temperatures and shelter from Sierra de Cantabria—ensures balanced ripening and vineyard quality .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are manually harvested, destemmed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks for 8–11 days, with regular pump-overs/punch-downs . After fermenting, the wine ages for approximately 26 months in 225-L American oak barrels . Post-blend, it spent a period in concrete before bottling .

Tasting Notes

Vibrant aromas of redcurrant, blackberry, rosemary, spearmint, cedar, and spices. The palate is elegant, with structured freshness, precise acidity, silky tannins, and flavors of wild berries, creamy raspberry, and a subtle balsamic finish .

Food & Wine Pairing

An excellent match with dishes like hake kokotxa with pil-pil, white truffle chickpea dishes, grilled baby squid with herbs and olive oil—highlighting its elegance and balance .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Recommended serving at 16–18 °C in a medium to large red wine glass. A 20-minute decant allows aromas and structure to open beautifully .

Storage and Aging Potential

This Reserva is built for graceful evolution, capable of aging through 2035 and beyond. With time, expect tertiary notes like forest floor and truffle to emerge while preserving elegance .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

86 % Tempranillo, 8 % Graciano, 4 % Mazuelo, 2 % Garnacha .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 14.3 % .

Scores

• Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 95

• Decanter: 96

• James Suckling: 94 .