Established in 1852, Murrieta are one of the oldest and most respected bodegas of Rioja. Their wines are made in a "classic" Rioja style and receive long ageing in barrel before release. Their wines are concentrated and long-lived, both red and white, and some - like the Gran Reserva "Castillo Ygay" - have become legendary amongst Rioja-lovers. Marqus de Murrieta have not stood back and stagnated however: Their 300 hectare estate now has Cabernet Sauvignon planted for their Dalmau blend which represents Murrietas avante-garde expression of Riojan terroir. Grapes 100% Viura Viticulture Vineyard: Capellania single-vineyard, a fifty year- old plot located at the highest altitude in our 300 Ha. Ygay Estate (Rioja Alta). Harvest:took place on the 29th and 30th of September, 2004. The grapes are harvested by hand and then taken to the winery in a short time. Wine Making The grapes are first carefully squeezed and then pressed gently in a vertical, wooden basket press (S.XIX). This is a smooth and slow process that favours the extraction of the maximum aromatic potential from the grapes. Fermentation takes place in a temperature controlled, stainless steel tank, for 20-25 days, at 12-13C, in the absence of the grape skins. Time in casks: 17 months in 225 L new French oak barrels. Food Matching Smoked fish, and duck liver. Pates, cheeses and rice dishes. Serve between 14 and 15 C.