Marques de Murrieta Rioja Reserva 2020
Product Information
Country Spain
Region Rioja
Grape Variety 82% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo, 3% Garnacha
Vintage 2020
ABV 14%
Marqués de Murrieta Rioja 2020 is a benchmark Rioja Reserva that consistently earns high praise from international wine critics. From the historic Ygay Estate in Rioja Alta, this vintage exemplifies classic Tempranillo structure and refined Spanish winemaking. Perfect for collectors, connoisseurs and UK wine drinkers seeking quality and value in premium Rioja.
Key Features
• Producer: Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta
• Vintage: 2020
• Designation: Rioja Reserva DOCa
• Region: Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vineyard: Estate-grown from Ygay Estate (300 ha)
• Blend: Predominantly Tempranillo with Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha
• Ageing: 21 months in 225-litre American oak
• Abv: Approx 14%
Vineyard & Winemaking
Grapes for this Rioja 2020 were hand-harvested from calcareous-clay soils at altitudes between 320–485 metres on the Ygay Estate. Following meticulous selection, grapes were de-stemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks with regular pumping over and punching down to achieve balanced extraction of colour and aroma. A gentle vertical press enhanced ripe tannin and aromatic purity. The wine then matured for 21 months in American oak barrels, adding structure and complexity without dominating the vibrant fruit profile.
Critics’ Scores & Tasting Notes
Marqués de Murrieta Rioja 2020 has been widely acclaimed:
Wine Advocate / Robert Parker
94+ points: Luis Gutiérrez praised its floral aromatics, elegant structure, and silky texture, noting this vintage is lighter and more refined than recent years, with very fine tannins and great balance.
James Suckling
94 points: Described as harmonious and textbook Rioja, with notes of cedar, spiced strawberries, vanilla and plums, fresh acidity, and a lengthy, polished finish.
Tim Atkin MW
94 points: Included among top wines in his Rioja report, reaffirming Murrieta’s position as a leading estate.
These scores position the 2020 Reserva as a top-tier everyday Rioja that remains approachable now but has excellent ageing potential.
Aromas & Palate
Tasting this Rioja 2020 reveals:
• Aroma: Bright red berries (raspberry, strawberry), subtle cedar, and spice
• Flavour: Juicy fruit core with hints of thyme and rosemary
• Texture: Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity
• Finish: Long, fresh and satisfying with elegant oak influence
The interplay of fruit, spice and oak gives it both immediate appeal and structure for enjoyable mid-term cellaring.
Food Pairing Ideas
This wine’s vibrant acidity and balanced tannins make it ideal with:
• Roast lamb with herbs
• Grilled Iberico pork
• Mushroom risotto or porcini dishes
• Manchego or aged sheep’s cheese
• Paella with chorizo and roasted peppers
Serve slightly cool at 16–18°C and decant if possible to unlock its aromatic depth.
Cellaring & Drinking Window
While delicious upon release, the 2020 Reserva benefits from age. Plan to enjoy between 2026–2032+, as the fine tannic structure and fresh acidity will evolve to offer tertiary complexity.
FAQs
Q. Does it pair with food well?
A. Absolutely, its balanced profile makes it versatile with red meats, grilled vegetables, and Spanish tapas.
Q. What grape varieties are in this Rioja?
A. Primarily Tempranillo, with supportive amounts of Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha.
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Marqués de Murrieta is one of Rioja’s most historic estates, founded in 1852 by Luciano Francisco Ramón de Murrieta, a pioneer of modern Rioja winemaking. Inspired by his experience in France, he established the Ygay Estate in Rioja Alta, believing that great wines must come from a single estate to ensure complete control over quality. Awarded the title Marqués de Murrieta by Queen Isabel II, his legacy continues today under Vicente Dalmau and winemaker María Vargas. The 300-hectare Finca Ygay is farmed with low yields and meticulous care, producing elegant, age-worthy red wines and world-class whites from renowned vineyard sites including Capellanía and La Plana, home to the iconic Castillo Ygay.
