Marques de Murrieta, Rioja DOCa, Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial

About Marques de Murrieta

Marques de Murrieta is one of Spain’s most historic and influential wine estates, located in the Rioja region. Founded in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta, the winery played a pivotal role in shaping the modern identity of Rioja wines, being among the first to introduce Bordeaux winemaking techniques to Spain. The estate’s original vision was to create wines with both structure and elegance, capable of aging gracefully, a philosophy that continues to guide the winery today. The property, Finca Ygay, is situated just outside Logroño and covers over 300 hectares of prime vineyards, making it one of the largest single estates in Rioja. The diversity of soils, altitudes, and microclimates across the estate allows Marques de Murrieta to cultivate a range of grape varieties, predominantly Tempranillo, along with Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano, and some white varieties like Viura.

Marques de Murrieta’s flagship wine, Castillo Ygay, is considered a benchmark for traditional Rioja. Produced only in exceptional vintages, Castillo Ygay is renowned for its complexity, depth, and longevity, often spending extended periods aging in both oak barrels and bottle before release. The estate also produces a classic Marques de Murrieta Reserva, which epitomizes the house style—harmonious, balanced, and reflective of the estate’s unique terroir. In addition to reds, Marques de Murrieta is known for Capellanía, a single-vineyard white Rioja that showcases the potential for age-worthy, complex white wines from the region.

Since 1983, the estate has been under the ownership of the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, who have invested significantly in modernizing facilities while preserving the estate’s heritage and commitment to quality. The restoration of the historic Ygay Castle, completed in 2019, has further enhanced the estate’s reputation as a destination for wine tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and winemaking traditions of Rioja. Under the stewardship of Vicente D. Cebrián-Sagarriga and his team, Marques de Murrieta has continued to garner international acclaim, maintaining its status as a reference point for both classic and contemporary Rioja wines.

Marques de Murrieta’s approach to viticulture emphasizes sustainability and meticulous vineyard management, ensuring that only the best quality grapes are selected for their wines. Harvesting is done by hand, and grapes are sorted with great care before fermentation. The winery combines traditional methods, such as aging in American oak barrels, with modern techniques to enhance precision and consistency. This balance between tradition and innovation is evident in the wines, which are celebrated for their elegance, structure, and capacity to age.

Today, Marques de Murrieta stands as a symbol of Rioja’s enduring legacy and ongoing evolution. Its wines are exported to over 100 countries and consistently receive high praise from critics and wine lovers alike. The estate’s commitment to excellence, respect for tradition, and forward-thinking approach ensure that Marques de Murrieta remains at the forefront of Spanish winemaking, offering wines that capture the spirit and history of Rioja with every bottle.