# Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial (2010)

- **Producer:** Marqués De Murrieta
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Mazuelo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €295
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–19 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, red plum, blackcurrant, redcurrant, liquorice, vanilla, cedar, cloves, coffee, chocolate, dried fruit, leather, tobacco, earth, mushroom, wet leaves

## About this wine

Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2010 by Marqués de Murrieta is a distinguished red wine from Rioja, Spain. Produced by one of the region's historic wineries, established in 1852 and now guided by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, the wine embodies a commitment to quality through tradition and innovation. It is crafted exclusively from grapes grown on the estate's Ygay Estate, with the 2010 vintage being a testament to the cooler growing conditions of that year, yielding a wine of exceptional structure and finesse. This wine is a flagship bottling, reserved for the best vintages, and has garnered significant international acclaim, including being named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 2020.

## Interesting facts

- Named Wine Spectator's #1 Wine of the Year in 2020.
- Only produced in the finest vintages, Castillo Ygay is the flagship wine of Marqués de Murrieta.
- Grapes come from 'La Plana,' a single vineyard planted in 1966.
- The 2010 vintage was aged for 24-26 months in oak, followed by extensive bottle aging.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body, silky tannins, and bright acidity are well-suited to complement rich, protein-heavy dishes. The tannins bind with proteins in the meat, softening the wine and cleansing the palate. Savory notes in the wine echo earthy flavors in mushrooms and herbs, while its structure can stand up to robust sauces and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The production of Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2010 involves meticulous attention to detail. Grapes are hand-harvested from specific vineyard plots. The Tempranillo and Mazuelo varieties are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, with daily pump-overs and punch-downs to optimize extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 24-26 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels, with Tempranillo in American oak and Mazuelo in French oak. A crucial final step is at least three years of bottle aging before the wine is released, ensuring its readiness for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.