Bodegas Muriel: 100 years of legacy
With a legacy dating back to 1926, Bodegas Muriel, located in the province of Álava, Spain, represents a century of family winemaking tradition, combining heritage, expertise, and a contemporary vision of Rioja wines.
José Murúa Villaverde early recognised the significance and unique character of Elciego, in the northern part of the renowned Rioja region, where he laid the foundations for the family’s winemaking project in 1926.
Six decades later, Julián Murúa resumed winemaking activity and founded Bodegas Muriel in 1986. The name ‘Muriel’ brings together elements of his surname (mu from Murúa), the region (ri from Rioja), and the town (el from Elciego).
In 2000, Javier Murúa joined the business as the third-generation family member, marking the beginning of the company’s international expansion.
Since then, father and son have jointly driven the group’s growth, establishing Muriel Wines as a key player in the Spanish wine sector. Today, the group manages eight wineries: five in Rioja DOCa (Muriel, Viña Eguía, Luis Alegre, Marqués de Elciego, and the historic Conde de los Andes in Ollauri); Real Compañía de Vinos, specialising in varietal wines; Pazo Cilleiro in Rías Baixas DO; and Valdecuriel in Ribera del Duero DO. The company now has a strong presence in 50 international markets.
Bodegas Muriel
Bodegas Muriel is committed to blending tradition with a cosmopolitan spirit, balancing its roots with innovation, and connecting the vineyard with the world.
The winery produces two distinct wine ranges: Muriel and Viña Muriel. Viña Muriel wines are made exclusively from estate-owned vineyards, while the Muriel range is produced from a combination of estate fruit and grapes sourced from long-term partner growers.
Both ranges hold strong positions in domestic and export markets within the Rioja DOCa, contributing to both traditional ageing classifications and newer geographical indications.
Located in Rioja Alavesa, Bodegas Muriel’s vineyards benefit from a temperate Mediterranean climate with Atlantic and continental influences. The proximity of the Sierra de Cantabria plays a key role, acting as a natural barrier against winds and rainfall, helping to create balanced conditions for vine growing.
The winery manages a total of 275 hectares of vineyards, 75 of which are estate-owned and 200 of which are under long-term agreements with local growers. Of these vineyards, 60 hectares are over 50 years old, and 17 hectares are more than 100 years old.
All vineyards are located in Rioja Alavesa, with main grape varieties including red Tempranillo, white Viura, and other varieties such as Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca, and Tempranillo Blanco.
Two distinct labels
The Muriel range is built on long-standing relationships with growers and includes rosé, white, and red wines across Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva styles. These wines are designed to celebrate togetherness and to be enjoyed and shared.
The flagship red wine, Muriel Crianza Rioja Alavesa, is made from 100% Tempranillo and reflects the winery’s philosophy through its fresh aromatics and concentrated palate.
Muriel Reserva, Vino de Elciego, also produced from Tempranillo, comes from vines more than 35 years old, grown in calcareous soils. It is aged in a bottle for at least two years before release, exceeding the minimum requirement.
The Viña Muriel collection focuses on wines made from estate vineyards, expressing the typicity and character of Rioja Alavesa through a strong commitment to craftsmanship and precision.
Viña Muriel Blanco Vino de Elciego blends the structure and intense aromatics of Tempranillo Blanco with the texture and elegance of Viura, sourced from 60-year-old vines.
Viña Muriel Poncoles Vino de Rioja Alavesa is made primarily from Tempranillo grapes grown in the Poncoles vineyard (planted in 1963 in Lanciego), offering a fresh and refined expression of the variety, complemented by a small proportion of Viura.
Viña Muriel Solariego Vino de Elciego is crafted from grapes grown in the El Gallo vineyard, located in one of Elciego’s highest areas. With parcels dating back to 1973, 1975, and 1986, the wine is complex and elegant, combining vibrant freshness with floral notes and rich fruit character.
All wines from Bodegas Muriel reflect the distinctive characteristics of their terroir. As the winery celebrates a century of family winemaking heritage, it remains committed to its motto:
‘Feeling what we do, doing what we feel,’ highlighting meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of its craft.
