{"product_id":"2016-marques-de-murrieta-gran-reserva","title":"2016 Marques de Murrieta Gran Reserva","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2016 Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva is a limited-edition Rioja that captures the finesse of high-altitude vineyards and the depth that only long aging can deliver. Sourced from the historic Ygay vineyards surrounding the iconic Castillo Ygay estate, this is a classic yet quietly luxurious expression of mature Rioja. Produced only in the finest vintages and in limited quantities, it offers a refined, cellar‑worthy red for collectors and serious wine lovers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2016 Gran Reserva shows a luminous, medium-deep ruby core with garnet and brick nuances at the rim, reflecting its extended maturation. The nose opens with an elegant interplay of red and black fruit—think red cherry, wild strawberry and blackberry—quickly joined by savory layers of dried herbs, leather, cedar, tobacco leaf and a hint of sweet spice from long oak aging.\n\nOn the palate, this is medium to full-bodied and beautifully poised, with finely knit, finessed tannins that feel silky yet still structured. The fruit is vibrant and juicy, echoing ripe red and dark berries, supported by a fresh, well-defined acidity that keeps everything lifted and precise. Subtle notes of cigar box, balsamic, dried flowers and polished oak unfold with air, leading to a long, harmonious finish marked by elegance rather than sheer power. Already drinking beautifully, it has the balance and structure to evolve gracefully for at least another 10–15 years under good cellar conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll fruit for this wine comes from Marqués de Murrieta’s Finca Ygay estate, an impressive 300-hectare property in Rioja Alta characterized by varied soils and elevations from roughly 300 to 500 meters above sea level. The relatively cool, high-altitude climate, with marked day–night temperature swings, allows for slow, even ripening and preserves aromatic complexity and freshness. The 2016 Gran Reserva is a classic Rioja blend of 82% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 8% Mazuelo, sourced from mature vines. The grapes are carefully destemmed before a 9-day fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel with continuous skin contact and gentle movement of the must to ensure a soft yet thorough extraction of color, aroma and tannin. After fermentation, the solids are pressed in a vertical press, a slow and meticulous process that yields fine, ripe tannins rather than harsh phenolics. The wine then spends 26 months maturing in 225-liter oak barrels, followed by nearly four years of bottle aging in the estate’s cellars after bottling in July 2019, allowing the components to integrate seamlessly before release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Gran Reserva is an outstanding partner for richly flavored dishes and refined, rustic cuisine alike. It pairs beautifully with game such as hare or venison, roasted or grilled lamb, and well-marbled cuts of beef like ribeye, especially when served with roasted pumpkin, dried fruit garnishes or slow-cooked onions and garlic. It also works surprisingly well with Spanish-inspired combinations like grilled sea bream with charred spring onions, beetroot purée or even dark chocolate accents and not-too-sweet sorbets. Serve at 16–18°C. Decant for about 1 hour before serving to allow the wine to fully open and reveal its layered bouquet and silky texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFounded in 1852, Marqués de Murrieta is one of Rioja’s oldest and most influential estates, credited with helping to establish the region’s reputation for age-worthy, oak-matured wines inspired by Bordeaux traditions. The winery’s home, the beautifully restored Castillo Ygay, sits at the heart of the Finca Ygay estate and has become a symbol of classical Rioja elegance. With around 300 hectares of estate vineyards and a meticulous, vineyard-focused philosophy, Marqués de Murrieta consistently crafts benchmark Riojas across the range, from their flagship Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial to modern icons like Dalmau. The estate is widely recognized as a standard-bearer for quality in Rioja, uniting historical heritage with a contemporary precision in vineyard management and winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Marques de Murrieta","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251851612497,"sku":"GCW-MURR-16101513","price":56.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2016_Marques_de_Murrieta_Gran_Reserva.png?v=1783441848","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2016-marques-de-murrieta-gran-reserva","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}