Castillo Ygay White Gran Reserva Especial is an unique jewel, which demonstrates the greatness of the whites of Marqués de Murrieta.

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Castillo Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial 1986

It is the first white wine in the history of Spain to reach the desired 100 Parker Points. This  wine that transcends the limits of time. When tasting it, you can feel the history of our winery in the constant search for excellence.


It is an exciting and unique wine, bottled in 2014 after more than 20 years of ageing in American oak barrels and almost 6 years of settling in concrete tanks.


Incredibly complex and lively, it will develop in the bottle for many years to come.


"One of the best white wines I've ever tasted in my life." Luis Gutierrez, for 'Robert Parker Wine Advocate'.



CASTILLO YGAY BLANCO GRAN RESERVA ESPECIAL 1986

Grapes were sourced from Capellanía vineyard, planted in 1945 and located on a plateau at an altitude of 485 meters avobe sea level, in the highest area of the Ygay Estate, our 300-hectare estate in Rioja Alta.

It took place in the first days of October of 1986, with a slow and onward work. The weather conditions helped to achieve the optimus ripeness of the grapes. The viura variety, with a large bunch and small grain, was the first to be harvested with an potential alcohol level of 13.5⁰ and a high acidity.

The whole bunch was crushed and then pressed in a vertical twin-screw wooden press. It was fermented in an american oak vat.

The wine was aged for 252 months in 225-litre american oak barrels and then for 67 months in concrete tanks.

Acorn-fed iberian ham, truffled cheeses, white veal meats or hake cheeks in pil pil sauce.


Grape varieties: 97% viura and 3% malvasía.

Alcohol level: 13.5% abv.

Bottling date: 29th of January of 2014.

Number of bottles: 8,125 bottles (75 cl).

Serving suggestions: Recommended service temperature: 14⁰C (57⁰F). Let the wine breathe at least 30 minutes to show its full aromatic potential. 


Scores
CASTILLO YGAY BLANCO GRAN RESERVA ESPECIAL 1986

  • ROBERT PARKER: 100 points. “This is a perfect wine. It shows itself getting younger and younger over time in the glass. I have no doubt that we are talking about a target for the next 50 years. The wine is just awesome.”.

  • FALSTAFF (DEU): 100 points.

  • JAMES SUCKLING (USA): 100 points.

  • VIVINO: 4,7/5 - Best white wine in the world (Wine Style Awards 2020).

Tasting note

"It is very subtle on the nose, developing some nuances of mushrooms and verbain tea. On the palate it is powerful and elegant, with an excellent acidity and great length, volume and clarity, flinty hints and umami finish." María Vargas, Technical Director of Marqués de Murrieta.