Rioja is a region in Spain that produces high tannin wine with the same name. Marqués de Murrieta is one of the oldest and most respected bodegas in Rioja Alta. With wines that are concentrated and long-lived, the winery has not stood back and stagnated. Instead, the old single vineyard called Capellanía – located at 485 meters altitude within the 300 hectare Ygay estate surrounding the winery in the southern point of Rioja Alta wine area – has created a limited production wine that will make you want to buy a one way ticket to Spain.
The grapes that are used for Capellanía 2012 are first squeezed and then pressed in a vertical press – this makes for a smooth and slow process that leads to the fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 24 days without skin contact. The juice then spends 15 months in French oak barrels. The 2012 vintage was created during a weird year of weather in Spain. It was the fifth consecutive small vintage, thanks in large to very dry conditions and resulted in a wine of great concentration and high tannin. Aromas of ripe golden fruit and smoke balance well with the dry and savoury palate that has oak vanilla undertones. Perfect with smoked fish, white meat, foie, cheeses and Asian food. Try this modern take on a traditional white Rioja wine.
