# Marqués de Murrieta Reserva (2020)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €32
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, rosemary, raspberry, blueberry, thyme, plum, dried flowers, vanilla, chocolate, sandalwood, cedar, undergrowth, orange peel, liquorice

## About this wine

The Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2020 is a distinguished red wine from the Rioja DOCa appellation in Spain, produced by Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta. Founded in 1852, the winery is one of Rioja's oldest and most prestigious, with a vision to create estate-style wines. The Marqués de Murrieta Reserva is considered the estate's flagship, representing the personality of the Finca Ygay estate. The 2020 vintage is characterized by its refined style and balance. The grapes are sourced from the Finca Ygay estate, located in the Rioja Alta region, known for its calcareous-clay soils and varied altitudes.

## Interesting facts

- The estate spans 300 hectares, surrounding the historic Castillo de Ygay.
- The wine is aged for 21 months in American oak barrels.
- It's a blend dominated by Tempranillo, a hallmark of Rioja.
- The winery dates back to the mid-19th century.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and fine-grained tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb and beef, softening their texture. The wine's inherent fruit notes can echo or contrast with savory dishes, while its subtle herbal undertones can harmonize with herbs used in cooking.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2020 begins with destemming the grapes, which are then fermented separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for about 8 days, with extended skin contact. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 21 months in 225-liter American oak barrels. The grapes are sourced from the Finca Ygay estate, which features calcareous-clay soils and vineyards situated at altitudes between 320 and 485 meters above sea level.