A Taste of Rioja Royalty in Tenerife
Following the success of ‘The Wine Gallery’, which recently brought over 80 national and international wineries to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, wine culture is once again taking center stage in the Islands. This time, the spotlight is on Tenerife with the arrival of Marqués de Murrieta, the pioneering Rioja winery founded in 1852 and a global benchmark for excellence and quality. In a landmark event, the heights of Canarian fine dining met the iconic wines of Rioja.
An Event for the Soul, Led by an Island Expert
The event, held this Tuesday at the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, was hosted by Toño Armas, founder of ‘El Gusto por el Vino’ and considered one of the archipelago’s foremost wine experts. “Wine is a food for the soul, a thread that connects territories, people, and emotions,” stated Armas, who organized this gathering with the intention of offering Canarian professionals a unique experience. “Marqués de Murrieta is among the top 10 wineries in the world, and we couldn’t feel more fortunate to have them here in Tenerife,” he emphasized.
The Man Behind the Legendary Winery
The luncheon was presided over by Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, Count of Creixell and President of Marqués de Murrieta, a key figure in the winery’s modernization and international positioning. Under his leadership, Murrieta has been recognized as the “Best Winery in the World” by Great Wine Capitals and has achieved milestones such as 100 Parker Points and the Wine Spectator award for the best wine in the world for its Castillo Ygay. In fact, it is the Spanish wine that has most frequently received the coveted 100-point score from international critics.
Tasting a Piece of Living Rioja History
The attendees—including chefs and owners of the island’s top restaurants, sommeliers, distributors, and personalities from the cultural and business spheres—had the privilege of tasting wines that are part of the living history of Rioja. These included Castillo Ygay, Dalmau, Capellanía, and the most recent vintages from Marqués de Murrieta.
The Grand Debut of Castillo Ygay
One of the most anticipated moments was the presentation in the Canary Islands of Castillo Ygay, a wine repeatedly considered one of the most outstanding in the world and a symbol of Riojan excellence. Produced only in exceptional vintages, its prestige places it as an international oenological jewel, making its debut on the islands a truly special occasion for connoisseurs.
Strengthening Ties with Canarian Gastronomy
With this event, Marqués de Murrieta consolidates its presence in the archipelago and strengthens its relationship with the islands’ gastronomic sector. Furthermore, a new partnership with ‘El Gusto Por El Vino’ was announced, which will help bring these exceptional wines to an audience increasingly interested in high quality and tradition.
The Legacy of Marqués de Murrieta
Founded in 1852 by Don Luciano Murrieta, the creator of the first fine wine of Rioja and a pioneer in exporting it to America, the winery represents the very origin of the Rioja denomination. With a presence in over 100 countries, Murrieta is today one of the great ambassadors of the Spanish brand worldwide. Since 1983, the Cebrián-Sagarriga family has driven a modernization process that has turned the brand into an international icon. The combination of innovation, tradition, and excellence has allowed the winery to harvest the most prestigious awards in the industry.
