Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Mazuelo
75cl * 14% ABV * Rioja, Spain
Don Luciano de Murrieta was one of the founding fathers of Rioja, bringing techniques he'd learned in Bordeaux to the Castillo Ygay estate back in 1852. And his first vintages were huge successes, with the wines being exported as far afield as Cuba and Mexico - the first Rioja ever to do so.
Grapes for this Reserva are sourced from the Ygay Estate, which is 300 hectares of vineyards surrounding the winery (which is now also a museum dedicated to Don Luciano and his pioneering ways) in the southernmost area of Rioja Alta. The altitude ranges from 320 to 485 meters. The grapes are fermented in stainless-steel vats before ageing for six months in massive 225lt American oak barrels.
Flavours of ripe plum and berries are layered with liquorice, cinder toffee and vanilla - all signs of top-quality oak. Rich and round in the typical Reserva style. A happy partner to red meats and cured ham, as well as grilled fish with rich sauces. Serve at about 13C.