Marqués de Murrieta Capellanía Magnum 2020

Marques de Murrieta, founded in 1852 and one of the oldest houses in Rioja, makes Capellania from Viura grown on the Ygay estate outside Logrono. The fruit comes from old vines planted in 1945 at around 485 metres, one of the highest points on the property, where cool nights and a long growing season give slow, even ripening and firm acidity. This is a Reserva white made in the traditional aged Rioja style, with twenty four months in French oak barrels. That long elevage allows a slow oxygen exchange through the wood and extended lees contact, which build the toasted, nutty complexity and creamy texture that mark the style, while barrel fermentation folds in a fine oak spice. The wine is deep and layered, with orange blossom, ripe apple and quince over toasted nut, honey and a savoury, waxy depth, a broad but structured palate and a long finish. It is already showing well but has the backbone to age further, and the magnum format slows that development. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a large glass.