Marques de Murrieta Capellania Viura Rioja 2018 750ml

Capellanía represents Marqués de Murrieta's flagship white wine, a single-vineyard Viura that challenges every preconception about Rioja Blanco. From a vineyard planted in 1945 near the estate's historic chapel, this wine showcases what's possible when Spain's most traditional white grape meets ambitious winemaking and patient aging.

The wine presents a luminous golden color that immediately signals its serious intentions. On the nose, Capellanía offers remarkable complexity rarely associated with Viura—ripe stone fruits including peach and apricot mingle with citrus notes of lemon curd and orange zest. The careful use of new French oak adds sophisticated notes of vanilla, toast, and hazelnuts without overwhelming the fruit. As the wine opens, fascinating tertiary notes emerge—honey, beeswax, white flowers, and a distinct mineral character that speaks to the old vines and special terroir.

The palate delivers an experience that redefines what Rioja Blanco can achieve. The texture is rich and creamy from extended lees aging, yet maintained by bright acidity that provides structure and freshness. Flavors of ripe orchard fruits, citrus, and tropical notes flood the mouth, while the oak adds complexity and weight without heaviness. Mid-palate, notes of toasted almonds, honey, and spices emerge, creating layers of flavor that continue to evolve. Despite its richness, the wine maintains remarkable elegance and precision.

Capellanía 2018 stands as proof that Viura, often dismissed as simple, can produce world-class wines when treated seriously. The combination of old vines, low yields, and ambitious winemaking has created something truly special. The finish is exceptionally long and complex, with fruit, oak, and mineral notes in perfect harmony. This is white wine built for the cellar, though it's already showing beautifully. A revelation for those who think Spanish whites can't age or compete with the world's best.