Marqués De Murrieta Reserva Rioja Finca Ygay

Taste Notes

The 2017 vintage was a "challenging" year in Rioja due to frost, but Murrieta’s strict selection resulted in a wine that critics have called "harmonious and powerful."

• Appearance: Intense cherry red with a bright garnet rim.
• Nose: High aromatic intensity. It opens with ripe blackberries and raspberries, followed by the classic "Rioja signature" of vanilla, tobacco box, and leather. There are subtle hints of aromatic herbs like thyme and a whisper of graphite.
• Palate: Full-bodied yet silky. It features a concentrated core of ripe plum and black cherry balanced by refreshing acidity. The tannins are well-integrated and "polished," giving the wine a velvety texture.
• Finish: Very long and persistent, tapering off with notes of toasted oak, licorice, and sweet balsamic.

Food Pairings

As a robust, oak-aged red, this wine demands savory, protein-rich dishes that can stand up to its structure:

• Traditional Match: Milk-fed Lamb Chops (Chuletillas). The gamey fat of the lamb is perfectly cut by the wine’s acidity, while the oak notes complement the char from the grill.
• Savory Indulgence: Jamón Ibérico or Manchego Cheese. The salty, nutty profile of cured Spanish meats and hard cheeses highlights the red fruit and leather notes in the wine.
• Main Course: Roast Duck or Braised Short Ribs. The wine has enough "grip" to handle rich sauces and heavy meats.
• Vegetarian: Mushroom and Truffle Risotto. The earthy "umami" of the mushrooms mirrors the forest floor and tobacco notes found in the aged Tempranillo.