Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay - Gran Reserva Especial 2009

Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial is one of the most famous wines from Spain, along with Vega Sicilia and Pingus. This wine comes from the La Plana vineyard, located at an altitude of almost 500 meters, where old vines of Tempranillo and Mazuelo thrive in calcareous soil. The Tempranillo (86%) and Mazuelo (14%) grapes are vinified separately and matured for 28 months in both American and French oak barrels. The wines are then blended and aged for a further 6 months in cement vats before spending at least 3 years in bottle.

At launch, the wine is 9 years old but still fresh. It has a deep color with a violet hue, and the aroma reveals notes of cherry, dill, cloves, vanilla, blackcurrant, leather and orange. The palate is well balanced with dark, spicy fruit, a fresh acidity and delicate tannins, creating a wine in perfect harmony.

Ygay has the potential to develop for 40-50 years and achieve greater complexity. If enjoyed in its youth, it is recommended to decant the wine 1-2 hours before serving at 15-16 degrees.

Marqués de Murrieta is a renowned name in Rioja, founded by Luciano de Murrieta in 1844. The Ygay estate, acquired in 1878, is now among Spain's most prestigious wine houses. From its 300-plus hectares, only five wines are produced, including the iconic Dalmau and Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial. In addition, one of Spain's most renowned white wines, Capellanía, is produced.

The Marqués de Murrieta also owns Pazo Barrantes in Rias Baixas, which is known for some of Galicia's finest white wines.

In 2016, the winery was honored with the 'Elle Gourmet Award for the Best Winery'.