Marques de Murrieta
Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Cosecha 2012
| Denomination | DOCa Rioja Gran Reserva |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Area | Rioja (Spain) |
| Grape varieties | 89% Tempranillo, 11% Carignano |
| Aging | 30 months in 225-litre oak barrels (at least 10 months in new oak), followed by 36 months in bottle before release; the Tempranillo ferments in American oak barrels, the Mazuelo in new French oak barriques. |
- Vintage and alcohol content: 2012, 14% vol; still red wine with Rioja Alta designation
- Blend and vineyard: 81% Tempranillo, 19% Mazuelo; old vineyards of La Plana
- Ageing: 34 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by a long period of bottle ageing
- Tasting profile: ripe fruit and spices; silky tannins, persistent finish
- Serving and pairings: decant for 1-2 hours at 15-18°C; ideal with red meats and mature cheeses
Description
What kind of wine is it
Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial is a still Spanish red wine that expresses the authentic character of Rioja. Produced by Marqués de Murrieta through a harmonious blend of Tempranillo and Mazuelo grapes from old vines, it stands out for its enveloping structure, lively acidity and refined tannins. The organoleptic profile releases intense fruit, interwoven with pronounced toasted, earthy and spicy notes. On the palate it is silky and juicy, leading the tasting towards a long and clean finish, ideal paired with robust red meats and game.
Where does it come from
The grapes come from the La Plana vineyard, within the historic Ygay estate in the subzone of Rioja Alta. The rows are located at around five hundred metres above sea level, with roots sinking into deep clay-limestone soils. These pedoclimatic characteristics ensure a natural aromatic concentration and optimal tannin definition. Marqués de Murrieta interprets the territory with a red wine of strong identity, capable of combining energy and finesse in a sip with remarkable ageing potential.
How is it produced
The Tempranillo and Mazuelo grapes are harvested separately. After destemming and crushing, the musts ferment in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, with daily pump-overs. The wines rest in separate containers: the Tempranillo matures in American oak barrels, while the Mazuelo ages in French oak barrels. These stages are followed by the blending and a long final maturation. This rigorous production process results in a harmonious and highly complex wine.
History and Curiosities
The Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2012 from Marqués de Murrieta, a historic winery founded in 1852, is the emblem of Rioja. Born from the old vines of the La Plana vineyard, this wine masterfully combines the Tempranillo and Mazuelo varieties. Aged for 34 months in oak barrels and further refined in the bottle, it stands out for its silky tannins and vibrant freshness. Awarded 100 points by James Suckling, it offers a finish of infinite persistence, embodying absolute excellence and unparalleled longevity.
Awards
-
2012
100/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2012
97/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
-
2012
95/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
18 - 20 °C
Longevity:
15 - 25 years
Decanting time:
2 hours
- Start up year: 1852
- Hectares: 300
Don Luciano´s vision was clear from the begining: to create a fine Rioja wine with a great ageing potential and start exporting it outside of Spain. He shipped his first vintage, with the legendary 1852, to countries such as Mexico and Cuba, making it the first fine Rioja wine to be exported.
Marqués de Murrieta Estates and Wines is led since 1983 by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, characterized by their professionalism and daily effort.
In the Castillo, noble materials merge in perfect union with the latest technologies, turning one of the oldest industrial buildings in Europe into a benchmark of modernity and balance. Thanks to its historical significance to the world of wine, its heritage and the architecture of the building itself, the Castillo de Ygay, and thus the head-quarters of Marqués de Murrieta, was declared a museum in 2019. Read more
| Name | Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Cosecha 2012 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red green still |
| Denomination | Rioja DOCa |
| Vintage | 2012 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 89% Tempranillo, 11% Carignano |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Vendor | Marques de Murrieta |
| Story | History and Curiosities The Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2012 from Marqués de Murrieta, a historic winery founded in 1852, is the emblem of Rioja. Born from the old vines of the La Plana vineyard, this wine masterfully combines the Tempranillo and Mazuelo varieties. Aged for 34 months in oak barrels and further refined in the bottle, it stands out for its silky tannins and vibrant freshness. Awarded 100 points by James Suckling, it offers a finish of infinite persistence, embodying absolute excellence and unparalleled longevity. |
| Origin | La Plana (Ygay estate), Rioja Alta, La Rioja, Spain |
| Soil composition | Clay-calcareous |
| Harvest | 30 September for the Tempranillo and 10 October for the Mazuelo |
| Fermentation | 11 days |
| Production technique | Destemming and crushing; fermentation at controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks for 11 days with daily pump-overs; fermentation in oak barrels (American and French) |
| Wine making | The grapes are carefully destemmed and crushed, then they ferment at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks for 11 days with daily pumping over. |
| Aging | 30 months in 225-litre oak barrels (at least 10 months in new oak), followed by 36 months in bottle before release; the Tempranillo ferments in American oak barrels, the Mazuelo in new French oak barriques. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |