Castillo Ygay is the flagship wine of Marqués de Murrieta, one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Spain, founded in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta. The winery is located in the Rioja Alta region, near Logroño. The Gran Reserva Especial wine is produced only in exceptional years from the best vineyards of the Ygay estate and is a symbol of the classic Rioja style.
Terroir
The vineyards are located in the La Plana area, part of the Ygay estate, at an altitude of about 485 meters above sea level, in the Rioja Alta sub-region. The soils are clay-limestone, with good drainage and minerality.
The climate is temperate continental with influence from the Atlantic Ocean, which ensures a long growing season, balanced ripening and natural freshness.
Vinification
The grapes are hand-picked, carefully sorted and fermented separately for each variety.
Tempranillo ferments and ages for 28 months in American oak barrels
Mazuelo ferments and ages for 28 months in French oak
After blending, the wine ages for a minimum of 3 years in bottle before being released. In total – over 6 years of aging.
Organoleptic characteristics
Aroma: Extremely complex nose with notes of black cherry, blackcurrant, leather, tobacco leaves, vanilla, spices and fine minerality.
Taste: Dense and elegant body with well-developed tannins, fresh acidity and a long, multi-layered aftertaste.
Style: Classic Gran Reserva – an expression of depth, structure and balance.
Food Pairings
- Beef steak
- Game
- Lamb
- Aged Manchego cheese or Bulgarian sheep cheese
- Slowly cooked meats with sauce
Serving temperature 16°–18°C
Decanting for at least 1 hour before serving is recommended.
