Our wines featured in November are again from Spain. This time they are from Bodegas Muga in Hara, Rioja, the region in North Central Spain. The Bodegas was founded in 1932 by husband and wife team – Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño. The Muga Family is synonymous with tradition and the skill of an artisan. Three generations have now contributed to the history of this Rioja cellar.
Bodegas Muga is the only winery left in Spain that uses only oak throughout the entire process of elaboration of their wines. Muga has its own cooperage and directly importing American and French oak makes this possible. The winery manufactures about 2,000 barrels each year. The wine is racked every four months by gravity and the use of candle to detect sediment. Fining is done by egg whites. The process takes over two months as the raft of egg whites sink to the bottom of the vat. This is a very expensive technique, but it succeeds in giving Muga reds a distinctive velvety texture. The vineyards are nestled in the foot hills of the Montes Obarenes in the heart of Rioja Alta. The winery owns approximately 620 acres of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viura, and Malvasia vineyards, and it controls an additional 370 acres from other growers.
The selected wines are 2024 Bodegas Muga Rioja Blanco & 2022 Bodegas Muga El Anden de la Estacion Crianza.
2024 Bodegas Muga Rioja Blanco $19
The 2024 vintage Muga Blanco is a blend of Viura, Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca. It has a pale, straw-yellow color. On the nose you can find notes of white blossom, stone fruit and a slight hint of vanilla which adds complexity. On the palate, the lively acidity is perfectly balanced by the body. You can taste citrus notes accompanied by a subtle salinity which gives it greater length. The aftertaste is long, with reminders of citrus and stone fruit, leaving a fresh, elegant sensation. This white is a perfect match for grilled fish, shellfish and rice dishes, among others. Ideal for enjoying by the glass, as an aperitif or together with a small snack on a terrace. Alcohol: 13.5%
2022 Bodegas Muga El Anden de la Estacion Crianza $20
Muga El Andén de la Estación Crianza is a new project launched in 2020 by the Muga family. This Crianza is a blend of Tempranillo (70%) & Garnacha (30%.) It has aromas of ripe summer cherry, coffee bean and dried thyme and sage set the stage for blackberry, butterscotch, herbes de Provence and orange-zest. The tannins are silky. Lingering notes of fresh sage leaf and citrus zest remain on the palate. Alcohol: 14.5%
