Marques de Murrieta Reserva, Rioja
Marques de Murrieta Reserva, Rioja is a dry, full-bodied red from Tempranillo, Graciano, Carignan (Rioja, Spain), in the rich, smooth reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity moderate; oak influence is heavy. Good with lamb, roast pork, steak, cheese board.
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Cantabria, Rioja Reserva 2018 Sierra Cantabria · Rioja | £27.50 | |||
| Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva Tinto Lopez de Heredia Half 2014 R. Lopez de Heredia · Rioja | £26.00 | |||
| Contino Reserva 2021 Viñedos Del Contino · Rioja | £29.00 | |||
| Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2020 Valenciso · Rioja | £24.54 |
Marqués de Murrieta is one of the oldest and most respected names in Rioja. The house was founded in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta, one of the men who shaped modern Rioja, and this Reserva is its flagship - the wine the estate uses to show what it stands for, year in, year out. Everything comes from the estate's own vineyards at Ygay, in Rioja Alta. It's led by Tempranillo, with smaller amounts of Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha filling out the blend, then aged around two years in American oak. That long, traditional oak ageing is the heart of the Murrieta style: it softens the wine and adds warm, sweet-spice and vanilla notes, so it arrives polished and ready rather than tough and young. Expect ripe red and dark fruit - strawberry and cherry - with a warm, earthy edge and a smooth, silky feel right through the finish. Serve at 16-18°C.