Bruno Murciano, Utiel-Requena, El Sueño, Valencia, Spain, 2020

Producer Profile

A sommelier by training, Bruno Murciano was born in 1979 in Caudete de las Fuentes – a town in Valencia noted for growing the Bobal grape variety. He spent his youth learning his trade in his family’s restaurant, which is where he got to know the winegrowers of the area.

During 20 years of international experience as a sommelier, Bruno collected numerous awards and achieved recognition from colleagues as an ambassador for Spanish sommeliers worldwide. But in 2010 he at last made one of his big dreams come true when he bought the magnificent estate of Las Brunas in his home town 6ha of ancient vinyard and 2ha of forest on northeast sloping land. Ably assisted by his brother, José Luis, who honed his winemaking skills in Rioja and Bierzo, the pair now create incredible wines of their own – mostly from Bobal, but also from other local varieties.

Viticulture

From 100 year old, organically grown Bobal vines from the limestone terroir sited at the top of the hill above Las Brunas vineyard at 1,000m. The vineyards are tended using artisanal methods and biodynamic techniques following the lunar biodynamic calendar.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand harvested into 10kg crates, then transported via refrigerated trucks at 2°C to winery. Here they undergo a whole bunch fermentation with native yeast in open top 4-5 yr old oak 500l casks. Matured for 18 months in the same barrels. Bottle aged for 24 months prior to release.

Tasting Note

A powerful perfumed nose of thyme, rosemary and concentrated cherry that moves on to the palate which is tasty, deep and intense. Excellent ageing potential!

Food Matching

Gazpacho manchego (game meat broth, crisp dry bread and spiced porcini).