Tempranillo, Garnacha
75cl * 14% ABV * Rioja, Spain
Bodegas Muga is one of the most traditional producers in Rioja and the only winery in Spain with a master cubero and three of its own coopers, to make sure their barrels receive the right interior toasting to get wines of unique character. This 2018 vintage is a smooth, utterly delicious Rioja that immediately received the seal of approval over our dinner table. As it did from the real critics too, scoring 92 "Parker" points. A really luscious wine, that's as easy to slurp on its own as pair it with rich, rare meats such as lamb and beef.
"Textbook stuff from the extensive Muga family, this is a pan-regional cuvée of Tempranillo with 30% Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo, aged in a combination of French and American oak. Youthful, structured and showing the freshness of the cooler, more “Atlantic” 2018 vintage, it’s good to drink now but will also reward some extra time in your wine rack. Textured and balanced, with racy acidity and flavours of liquorice, blackberry and vanilla spice." "Wine of the week" by Tim Atkin MW 93/100 points, January 2023.