Bodegas Vinae Mureri Murero (Zaragoza)

Vino de la Tierra Ribera del Jiloca José Antonio Martín was born and raised in the high, remote Jiloca River Valley, and fondly recalls a youth spent among the vineyards of his forefathers in Murero’s Pago de la Moratilla. Returning later in life with friends including noted authorities, the latent treasure of the area’s nearly forgotten old Garnacha vines was clear. In 2001, a partnership was formed to recuperate the old vines of the family estate and gradually acquire additional plots of old vines from local growers looking to retire. A new bodega was finished in time for the début 2003 harvest.

Ribera del Jiloca is the highest growing region in Zaragoza province, located in the mountainous geographic center of the region of Aragón. Vineyard elevations range between 2900 and 4000 feet, and the slopes consist primarily of exposed slate, with important Cambrian fossil deposits of trilobytes murerienses. Climate is Continental with mild Mediterranean influence, and it is widely thought that the Garnacha variety originated here.

Approximately 85 acres are currently in production, with an average age approaching 80 years and yields averaging less than 700 pounds (1/3 ton!) per acre. All vineyard labor is done manually due to the inaccessible slopes.

Production of 5,000 cases is divided between Muret, Garnacha with 20% old-vine aged four months in barrel, Murero, 100% Garnacha aged ten months in oak and Muret Oro, 100% Garnacha without wood. Barrels are a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak. Firm and muscular with gripping tannins balanced by low-yield fruit concentration and pronounced minerality, these are unique Garnachas with special appeal to those who normally prefer the denser structure of Cabernet or .

Classical Wines 9075 Holman Road — Seattle, Washington 98117-3426 USA Phone: (206) 297-6713 • Fax: (206) 297-6719 • Sales Support: (800) 257-7225 www.classicalwines.com • [email protected]