Murua VS 2022

Murua VS comes from the Murua winery in Elciego, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, owned by the Masaveu family since 1974 and run as a serious estate since 1998 across some hundred and ten hectares of native varieties. The wine blends Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuela, the Graciano adding acidity, dark colour and aromatic lift and the Mazuela firm tannin and freshness. The Alavesa's chalky-clay soils and the moderating influence of the Cantabrian range give long, even ripening, which keeps the wine's structure and perfume in balance. After fermentation it spends eighteen months in French and American oak barrels: French oak lends fine cedar and spice, American oak a sweeter vanilla and coconut tone, and the extended barrel time softens the tannins through gradual oxygen exchange while malolactic conversion rounds the texture. The colour is deep ruby with a garnet edge. The nose offers red and black cherry, plum, vanilla, clove and tobacco. The palate is medium to full, elegant and savoury, with ripe tannins, balanced acidity and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees in a large glass. It suits roast lamb, beef, game and hard sheep's cheeses.