Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva

Originally founded in 1932, Bodegas Muga is located in the heart of Rioja, Spain’s premier red wine region. Now managed by third-generation winemaker Jorge Muga, the estate enjoys a practically legendary status due to its steadfast commitment to traditional winemaking techniques. Bodegas Muga exclusively works with the region’s native grape varieties, ferments using indigenous yeasts, and is one of the only wineries in the world that has its own cooperage program. These meticulous practices yield classically styled, age-worthy Riojas that overdeliver on their modest price points.

Muga’s Bodegas Rioja Reserva Unfiltered 2016 was aged for two years in the estate’s proprietary oak barrels and an additional year in bottle prior to release. Checking in at 70% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha with dollops of Mazuelo and Graciano rounding out the blend, the wine reveals a dense ruby color and telltale aromas of blackberry, cedar, dill, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with firm acidity and dusty tannins that would welcome food.