2012 was a vintage beset by drought in central northern Spain, but for those wineries such as Muga prepared to accept low yields, quality is intense. Their reserva this vintage is round, generously fruited, with moreish acidity, and all the classic notes of forest fruits, leather and the vanilla brought from ageing in American oak that characterises traditionally-styled Rioja. Bodegas Muga was not part of the first wave of Rioja wineries, dating `only` to 1932, but in 80 years they have seen every kind of vintage condition there is and on the way have helped define the style referred to as `traditional` Rioja. (NT 07/09/16)
- Producer
- Muga
- Origin
- Rioja, North central Spain, Spain SPAIN
- Colour
- red
- Wine Style
- dry
- Dominant Grape
- Tempranillo
- Closure Style
- cork
- Maturity
- ready
- Bottle Size
- 75cl
- Case Quantity
- 6
- Wine Score
- 91+ points, Luis Gutierrez, robertparker.com, Aug 2016
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Media Reviews
Luis Gutierrez
The red 2012 Reserva is sold as Crianza or Reserva depending on the market, but it`s always a blend of Tempranillo with some 20% Garnacha, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo from the lower part of the valley of the Oja-Tirón river. The varieties are fermented and aged separately until most of it (around 80%) is blended the summer after. Even when they do not produce some of the top cuvées (like in 2012), those grapes are never used for this wine. 2012 saw good ripeness, and the wine shows it, but doesn`t show any excess. The vinification is as classic as it gets: the grapes ferment with natural yeasts with a `pied de cuve` and the wine matured in new barriques the first year; it was then transferred to well-seasoned barrels for a further year of upbringing. It still feels quite oaky with some smoky aromas and some notes of roasted sesame seeds. The palate is lush and round, with polished tannins. This is a textbook Rioja at a very good price for the quality it delivers. This wine should be readily av ailable, as it`s produced in good quantities, close to one million bottles, which for this quality is impressive. 91+ points