The most straightforward way to connect the villages of Elciego and Baños de Ebro, in Rioja Alavesa, is the dirt track that runs through the vast El Gallo plateau. A large part of these vineyards belong to Muriel Wines. There are 24 hectares under vine, and the Marqués de Elciego property stands out for its age, quality and low yields.
On August 10th, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food published in the Official National Gazette the decision to designate Marqués de Elciego as one of the vineyards identified as "viñedos singulares" within the DOCa Rioja. At present, only 104 sitesfeature in the exclusive list of unique vineyards in the appellation.
A vineyard in Rioja can qualify for this restricted classification if it meets a set of rigorous criteria. These include limited yields (up to 5,000 kg per hectare); vines aged at least 35 years; manual harvesting; and all grapes sourced exclusively from the designated vineyard. In addition, the wine must be rated as "excellent" in the organoleptic analysis carried out by the Control Board before it is released on the market, and it must have specific labelling and greater controls.
Marqués de Elciego vineyard, the new Viñedo Singular
Marqués de Elciego, Tempranillo vines planted in 1975
The three-hectare Marqués de Elciego vineyard was planted 45 years ago, in 1975. It is located at the western end of El Gallo, between the areas known as Hondones and La de Baños, at an elevation ranging from 530 to 545 metres. The boundary between Elciego and Baños runs through the site.
The site, which is spacious and well aerated, produces healthy, top-quality grapes.
The vineyard is deeply connected to the soil and the microclimate. Chema Ryan, winemaker at Muriel Wines, confirms this. "If you ask me to define a grape variety or a Tempranillo wine from Rioja Alavesa, and specifically from Elciego, I would choose those old Marqués de Elciego vines at El Gallo; the grapes take me back to the traditional flavour".
Marqués de Elciego lends its name to our finest, most limited-production wine in Rioja Alavesa. It is a deep, complex red that has been aged for a long time, and boasts a powerful and vibrant character.
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