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Marqués de Murrieta Winery Guide

Cellar Tours Insight — Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.

Winery Overview

This fabulous winery is among the oldest and most prestigious bodegas in the La Rioja Wine Region. Marqués de Murrieta was established in 1852. The winery has changed pedigreed hands over the years and is now owned and run by an ambitious and dynamic young count, Count of Creixell, Vicente Cebrian-Sagarriga, whose name graces the Dalmau wines.

Murrieta is known for being one of the most traditional wineries in the region, with the wines spending longer than average time in oak and noted for their acidity. Wines include El Dorado de Murrieta Reserva (white wine, very toasty), Marqués de Murrieta Reserva (classic and dreamy Rioja), Castillo de Ygay Gran Reserva Especial (80% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo, 4% Garnacha Tinta, 3% Graciano. 50 months in cask. This wine is only released in exceptional years), and Dalmau Reserva (made with 85% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Graciano. 30 months in cask. This superb wine is considered one of the best in La Rioja. It is made in a modern style, contrasting with the more traditional Castillo Ygay, a luscious blockbuster of a wine). The Castle of Murrieta and the contemporary winery are located near Logrono, nestled in its vineyards. The setting is gorgeous, as is the amazing tasting room, where you will feel like royalty!

Castillo de Ygay Gran Reserva Especial: 90 points from the Wine Spectator! They say: “Maturing now, this harmonious red offers flavors of dried cherries, wild herbs, and exotic spices; it’s firm yet supple, soft yet lively on the palate. This a lovely example of the traditional style. Eight thousand cases made.” Our notes – “Wow! Upon tasting the ’94, I am reminded why I have always considered Murrieta’s Gran Reserva one of Spain’s greatest wines. Suddenly, a subtle and delicate intensity sneaks up around the end of the second glass to completely overwhelm the brain’s pleasure center. Powerfully subtle. (Ryan Owen, K&L Wines, California)”

Private La Rioja Wine Tour

La Rioja vineyards and wine country

Plan a private La Rioja wine tour with expert-led visits around Haro, Rioja Alta and landmark bodegas, with Tempranillo tastings, cellar visits and regional dining.

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Further Reading

Author

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James Lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has written for a wide variety of publications, including The Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers Wine & Spirit, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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