Marqués de Murrieta, 2001 Castillo Ygay Tinto "Early Release".

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. Marqués de Murrieta have not stood back and stagnated however: Their 300 hectare estate now has Cabernet Sauvignon planted for their Dalmau blend which represents Murrieta’s avante-garde expression of Riojan terroir.

Grapes: 93% Tempranillo and 7% Mazuelo.

Viticulture

Vineyard: Situated at 500 m above sea level at our 300ha/741 acre Ygay Estate (Rioja Alta). Made only at the excellent quality vintages.

Harvest: From the 6th to the 10th of October, 2001. The grapes are harvested by hand and then taken to the winery in a short time.

Winemaking

Grapes are first carefully de-stemmed and squeezed and then fermented in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks for approximately 11-15 days, with daily “remontage” and “pigeage” processes which help its wine to develop its own personality. Both these processes ensure maximum colour and aroma, without producing excessive tannin.

Barrel ageing process: 31 months in 225 l American oak barrels (at least 10 months in new oak).

Bottle ageing process: 3 years before being released to the market.