When a panel of American sommeliers and Master Sommeliers awards both Tempranillo of the Year and Wine of the Year – Spain to the same bottle, it’s more than a nod of approval — it’s a recognition of character, consistency, and confidence in the glass. For Bodegas Murua, whose Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva took both honors at the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards, this accolade affirms decades of work grounded in Rioja Alavesa’s terroir and a measured, site-driven approach to winemaking.

The award brings fresh visibility to a producer already held in regard by those who know Rioja deeply. Yet, for Loretta Fernández Ferrer, Export Director for Bodegas Murua, the significance lies just as much in where the recognition came from: the US trade. In this conversation, she reflects on what the win signals for their global strategy, how the Gran Reserva expresses the DNA of Elciego, and what’s next for a wine building its own legacy — one vintage at a time.

Image: The Masaveu Bodegas export team.

Congratulations on your Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva being named both Tempranillo of the Year and Wine of the Year – Spain at the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards. What does this recognition mean to Bodegas Murua, and how do you plan to leverage these awards in your global marketing efforts?

This is an important recognition for Bodegas Murua, mainly because it comes from a strategic market for us, such as the United States — one of the most competitive and experienced wine markets in the world, where restaurants are a main channel and the jury is composed of sommeliers and Master Sommeliers from across the country. This award for our premium wine from the classic range, Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva, validates Murua's commitment to excellence in every bottle. We have already shared the news on our website, with the media, and through our social networks @masaveubodegas. We will continue to leverage this recognition in our communications, trade, and consumer promotions globally.

Image: Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva named “Tempranillo of the Year” and “Wine of the Year– Spain” at the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards.

This Gran Reserva was described by the judges as elegant and powerful, with a spectrum of red and blue fruits, floral notes, and a finish that lingers. What makes this wine a true expression of Tempranillo and a faithful reflection of your Alava terroir?

At Bodegas Murua, all our wines come from our own vineyards. Each label, like Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva, is sourced from designated plots — in this case, located in Elciego. These vineyards are rooted in clay-limestone soils that impart a unique character and harmony to the grapes, a hallmark of Rioja Alavesa for over a century. The age of the vines allows us to deeply capture the expression and history of this territory, reflecting the authentic identity of Rioja Alavesa in each bottle.

Image: Murua En Elciego.

Can you share what’s unique about the winemaking philosophy behind Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva, from vineyard to cellar? What elements contribute to the wine’s silky tannins and vibrant acidity that so clearly resonated with the Sommeliers Choice Awards panel?

Our clay-limestone parcels provide the necessary tannic structure for the aging potential of Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva, along with aromatic complexity that reflects the wine’s depth. The elegance and silkiness of the tannins are part of the identity of this land. In winemaking, we take great care during extraction, keeping fermentation temperatures controlled and using gentle extraction techniques that respect the integrity of the fruit, contributing to the wine’s silky tannins and vibrant acidity.

Image: Murua Winery - Frenchman Mathieu Barrault, wineologist.

With increasing global attention, how widely is Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva currently available in key export markets such as the USA, UK, and Asia? Are you working with national distributors or niche importers, and what are your expansion plans for the next 12–24 months?

Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva is distributed in selected export markets through niche importers specialized in premium wines. In the USA, we work with importers that focus on fine wine retail and high-end restaurants. In the UK and Asia, our distribution is also handled by partners with strong relationships in fine dining and boutique wine shops. Our plan for the next 12–24 months is to strengthen these partnerships, expand our presence in key cities, and explore new opportunities in markets with growing demand for premium Spanish wines.

In which retail chains, independent wine shops, or online platforms can international consumers expect to find this wine? Are there any restaurant partnerships or fine-dining listings you’re especially proud of?

Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva can be found in specialized wine retailers, boutique wine shops, and selected online platforms focused on fine wines. We are especially proud of our presence in Michelin restaurants and iconic fine-dining establishments in Spain, the USA, and the UK. We aim to continue building these partnerships internationally, as they align with the positioning of Veguín de Murua as a benchmark Gran Reserva:

USA:

- Royal Palm Village Wine → Premium wine boutique in Vero Beach, catering to a high-net-worth clientele.

- Morton’s Coral Gables → Part of the Morton’s The Steakhouse chain, a classic luxury restaurant aimed at the business and fine dining segment.

- The Breakers → An iconic luxury resort in Palm Beach, a five-star hotel with a high-end gastronomic offering.

- Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club → Exclusive country club in Palm Beach Gardens; clientele with very high socioeconomic status.

- Amalfi Llama → Modern luxury restaurant with Italo-Patagonian fusion cuisine and a sophisticated atmosphere.

- Vinya Table & Wine → Premium concept combining a high-end wine shop and elegant restaurant in Coral Gables.

- Millesima NY → Iconic wine shop in New York specializing in fine wines and vintages, serving collectors and high-end wine enthusiasts.

- Baltusrol Golf Club NJ → Historic and exclusive golf club in New Jersey with a wealthy membership and tradition in premium hospitality.

UK:

- Trade Guilds → Historic and prestigious professional associations, often including influential figures in the wine, hospitality, and luxury sectors.

- 67 Pall Mall → Exclusive private members’ club in London dedicated to fine wine lovers and professionals, renowned for its exceptional wine list and expert-led tastings.

- Royal Thames Yacht Club → One of the UK’s oldest and most distinguished yacht clubs, located in Knightsbridge, with a wealthy and discerning membership.

Importers often highlight the need for strong brand support. How does Bodegas Murua assist its distribution partners in moving stock through marketing activations, education, tastings, or digital campaigns?

Bodegas Murua, as with all wineries in Masaveu Family Wineries, supports its commercial partners by staying close to them, listening to their needs, proposing actions, jointly designing marketing plans, carrying out various collaborations, and during our visits, providing training for their teams as well as tastings or paired lunches/dinners for their clients. We also offer full support through digital promotion and visibility via our social networks.

Image: Murua Wineries.

What kind of marketing activities—whether in-person or online—do you typically engage in to promote your Gran Reserva line, and how might these evolve with the recent accolades? Are there any standout campaigns or collaborations on the horizon?

We recently ran a campaign for Murua’s 50th anniversary, featuring a special anniversary case that includes Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva. In addition to a launch event, we conducted advertising campaigns across media and social networks. This wine is also featured in our Google ads, and we promote it on our @masaveubodegas profiles through posts and stories. Thanks to its limited production and great success, this reference often sells out quickly. Moving forward, the recent awards will help us amplify these efforts and open doors to new collaborations.

Image: Murua’s 50th Anniversary Special Case.

Could you tell us about any sustainable practices at Bodegas Murua—whether in the vineyard, winery operations, or packaging—that reflect your environmental ethos?

Our commitment to sustainability is integral to how we manage our vineyards and winery. Since 2015, Murua’s 80 hectares have been progressively converted to organic, and we are now 100% certified. We also practice regenerative viticulture, aiming to restore soil health and increase carbon capture. This involves grazing sheep, planting fruit trees, maintaining natural vegetation cover, installing nesting boxes, and placing beehives to enhance biodiversity. Bodegas Murua holds both the Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection and ISO 14001 certifications, confirming our ongoing dedication to sustainability.

Finally, for wine buyers and professionals who may just be discovering you through the Sommeliers Choice Awards, what should they know about the history and identity of Bodegas Murua as a benchmark producer in Rioja Alavesa?

Murua was the first winery acquired by the Masaveu family in 1974, marking the beginning of our wine group. Located in Elciego, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, this historic winery offers not only unique wine experiences but also a remarkable private art collection and the region’s most important wine library, with over 2,450 books and journals dating back to the 16th century.

We produce six wines across two ranges: an avant-garde line with VS Murua and M de Murua, and a traditional range featuring Murua Blanco Fermentado en Barrica, Murua Reserva, and Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva. We also recently launched our icon wine, Murua Finca La Pedrita. Our production of 220,000 bottles annually comes exclusively from our 80 hectares of estate-grown native varieties, all cultivated organically, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and authenticity in every bottle.

Image: Murua Wines.

Conclusion

As Veguín de Murua Gran Reserva finds new audiences through fine wine retailers, high-end restaurants, and sommelier-led tasting lists around the world, its identity remains rooted in the clay-limestone parcels of Rioja Alavesa. This is not a wine chasing trends or momentum; it’s a wine shaped by deliberate choices — organic farming, site-specific winemaking, and long aging — all underpinned by a clear sense of place. For Bodegas Murua, the Sommeliers Choice Awards have opened new doors, but the direction forward remains steady: deepen partnerships, remain transparent in the vineyard and cellar, and allow the wine to speak for itself.

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

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