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Muga, the story
The history of
Bodegas Muga is intrinsically linked to that of the Muga family
itself. Bodegas Muga was founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga and his
wife, Aurora Caño, both of whom came from families with a long
tradition of activity within the wine-making industry. Over the
years, Muga wines have gained international recognition and
acclaim.
The Bodegas Muga
vineyards are situated on the east and south-facing slopes of the
Obarenes Mountains, which are sculptured into terraces to form a
series of small plots. The soil in this region is mainly clayey
and calcareous, although some regions tend to be more ferrous and
alluvial. The land is divided into small plots with varying
physical and chemical properties and their own individual and
clearly defined personalities. This aspect is particularly
important with regard to tempranillo grapes, in which the
characteristics of the soil have a marked influence on the final
flavor of the wine.
The vineyards of
Bodegas Muga are located in the northern region of the province of
La Rioja, in the Oja and Tirón river valleys in the sub-region of
the Qualified Designation of Origin known as La Rioja Alta. The
River Oja Valley (RIOJA) enjoys a unique climate, not only as the
result of its geographical location and orientation, but also due
to its surrounding climatic influences. Mediterranean, Atlantic
and Continental climatic elements combine harmoniously to create
ideal conditions for growing high quality grapes. This plethora
of soil-based and climatic influences are centered on an area with
a radius of barely 20 km, where long growth cycles ensure that
grapes and all their components reach a delicate, prolonged and
complex state of ripeness which is, without a doubt, the key to
the region's potential for producing some of the world's most
exquisite wines.
Meticulously
faithful to the traditional wine-making methods, at Bodegas Muga
they use oak tubs and vats throughout the entire process. At
Muga, they make their own oak vats and casks, and carry out all
the wine-making, ageing and storage activities using oak. Our
casks are made from French and American oak and are replaced at
least once every ten years. For Bodegas Muga, tradition is a way
of life that is now so deeply rooted, that it has become almost
law. Their tradition is based on wood, whether it be used to form,
tubs, casks, beams or pillars. Muga has changed the rules of
ageing, exceeding the minimum limits to produce crianzas that
taste like reservas, and reservas that taste like grandes reservas.
Nevertheless, although it may seem somewhat paradoxical, this
working philosophy has not prevented them from making wines that
are perfectly in tune with modern times.
2001 Muga Aro
a blend of 70%
tempranillo and 30% graciano, from the estates best old vines;
aged 18 months in new French Troncais barrels.
Reviews:
"A candidate
for the finest wine of my Spanish tastings is the 2001 Aro, a
blend of 70% Tempranillo and 30% Graciano aged 18 months in new
French oak, a la a first-growth Bordeaux, and bottled unfiltered.
Sadly, there are only 250 cases of this stunning cuvee, which is
produced from the estate’s finest old vines (60 years of age). An
inky/purple color is accompanied by sumptuous aromas of lead
pencil shavings, creme de cassis, incense, black tea, flowers, and
sweet cherries. Opulent and full-bodied, with high levels of
tannin, and wonderful sweetness as well as definition, it is a
tour de force in winemaking. Anticipated maturity: now-2017."
98 points, The Wine Advocate.
“Superripe
aromas of blackberry, currant, minerals and sexy oak. Offers great
sappy concentration, with black fruit flavors complicated by pie
spices. The wine's sheer thickness of texture is leavened by
harmonious acidity, giving it great finesse for a wine of this
magnitude. Huge mounting finish features thoroughly ripe, noble
tannins and penetrating berry and spice notes." 95+
points, Steven Tanzer
"Alluring
aromas and rich flavors mark this powerful red. It's thick and
muscular, but remains graceful, with ripe plum and blueberry
flavors supported by plenty of sweet, toasty oak. Sophisticated
and expressive. Best from 2005 through 2012. 250 cases made."
95 points, The
Wine Spectator.
2001 Muga "Torre
Muga"
"The modern-styled,
expensive, but terrific 2001 Torre Muga is an unfiltered blend of
75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, and 10% Graciano. Aged 22 months in
large (18,000 liters) American oak vats, followed by 16 months in
new French oak, and bottled without filtration, it offers an
opaque ruby/purple color in addition to sweet plum, cedar,
tobacco, new saddle leather, Allspice, raspberry, and black cherry
fruit aromas as well as flavors. It is a wine of admirable
intensity, full body, and superb purity, size, potency, and
harmony. Give it another 1-3 years of bottle age and consume it
over the following 12-15. 95 points, Wine Advocate."
2001 Muga Reserva
"Readers should be
purchasing the 2001 Muga Reserva by the case. It is a stunning,
unfiltered Rioja made from 70% Tempranillo, 20% Grenache, and the
rest Mazuelo and Graciano. A big, rich bouquet of raspberries,
cherries, graphite, and tobacco leaves is accompanied by abundant
fruit, an expansive, medium to full-bodied palate, elegant, lush
flavors, sweet tannin, and hints of cedar and white chocolate.
This beautiful Rioja should drink well for a decade. 92 points,
The Wine Advocate."
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Recognized world-wide as the source for fine & rare wines.