The WineBefore being released, a Reserva wine like this one must be aged in barrel and in bottle prior to release:
Aging Requirements for Rioja Reservas (Reds)
- 1+ year in bottle
- 6+ months in bottle
- A TOTAL of 3 years prior to release!
These wines are able to age quite effortlessly, and those with inhuman amounts of discipline will be able to avoid the temptations lying beneath this cork, and they will be well rewarded. The rest of us will have to live (quite happily, I might add) with the joys and pleasures this wine offers today. Drink now through 2026+
The Winery
The current iteration of Bodegas Muriel dates back to 1982, when Julian Murua Entrena revived his father’s winery. But Jose Murua’s winery dates back to 1926, when Julian's dad established it in Rioja Alavesa - one of three subregions of the Rioja appellation.
In the historic village of Elciego, the cellar is surrounded by some of the finest terroir in Rioja, where Julian and his son now manage the Bodega together. Their vines average 30-50 years old from vineyards planted on chalk, sand and clay soil.
One of the reasons for the unique flavors of these wines is the balance of Rioja's three macroclimates - the Mediterranean, Continental and Atlantic - which lead to these aromatic and elegant wines.
