Rioja whites are experiencing a new ‘golden age,’ and their demand is skyrocketing. We love Muga Blanco 2024, crafted by one of the historic wineries in the Barrio de la Estación in Haro and one of the very few Spanish wineries that have their own cooperage. Oak is indeed fundamental at Muga; in fact, it is the only material the family uses for the fermentation and aging of their wines. This white wine was fermented in wooden vats and new French oak barrels, and then aged for 4 months on its lees in the same barrels. A marvel of elegance.
Rioja whites are experiencing a new 'golden age,' and their demand is skyrocketing. We absolutely love Muga Blanco 2024, crafted by one of the historic wineries in Haro's Barrio de la Estación and one of the very few Spanish wineries with its own cooperage. Oak is essential at Muga; in fact, it is the only material the family uses for the fermentation and aging of their wines. This white was fermented in wooden vats and new French oak barrels, then aged for 4 months on its lees in the same barrels. A marvel of elegance.
Muga Blanco 2024 is an original blend of viura (the main grape variety of Rioja whites), garnacha blanca, and malvasía from Rioja. The grapes mainly come from two different valleys, both located in the Rioja Alta subregion with an Atlantic climate. In the Oja Valley, the clay-limestone soils provide structure and freshness to the wine. In the higher area of the Najerilla Valley, the ferric clay soils enhance the complexity and minerality of the wine.
Manual harvest. After a light maceration of the skins with the must in the press, fermentation took place in wooden vats of different volumes and new French oak Nevers barrels with a very light toast. Once fermentation was complete, it remained in the barrels for 4 months, with 'battonages' performed to keep the fine lees in contact with the wine, protect it from oxygen, and add smoothness on the palate and complexity.
Muga (1932) is one of the most solid and iconic wineries in Rioja. From the Barrio de la Estación in Haro, the latest generation of an illustrious family saga continues to produce a range of wines that stand out for their quality, the result of meticulous work carried out both in the vineyard and the winery, as well as the careful selection of oak barrels sourced from the best European and American forests. Moreover, it is one of the very few Spanish wineries that has its own cooperage to produce its own barrels.
Muga Blanco 2024 (D.O.Ca. Rioja) is perfect to pair with roasted John Dory with almond sauce or an eggplant lasagna.
Creators' opinion
The 2024 vintage of Muga Blanco presents a light straw-yellow color. On the nose, it showcases notes of white flowers, stone fruit, and a slight touch of vanilla that adds complexity. On the palate, it features a very lively acidity perfectly balanced with the volume in the mouth. Citrus notes are perceived, accompanied by a subtle salinity that extends its persistence. The aftertaste is long, with citrus and stone fruit nuances, leaving a fresh and elegant sensation.
Bodegas Muga is one of the most reliable and recognizable names in Rioja, founded in 1932 by the family that gives it its name: the Muga family, now led by the third generation. Its history began in a modest winery located on a central street in Haro, but in 1970, it inaugurated new facilities in the famous Barrio de la Estación in the same town. Muga is characterized by its commitment to traditional winemaking: gravity racking, egg white fining, and all red wines are made, fermented, and aged in oak (there is no stainless steel in the winery). It is also one of the few Spanish wineries with its own cooperage. However, in the vineyard, it embraces modern technology, monitoring the plants.
It is also distinguished by its mastery of aging, especially long aging, as its red wines exceed the aging times stipulated by the Regulatory Council of the D.O.Ca. Rioja. Its portfolio is divided into two lines: a more classic line with the Muga and Prado Enea range, and a more modern one with Torre Muga and the ‘top’ Aro. These are joined by the new Flor de Muga label, available in white and rosé versions. All of these wines have elegance in their DNA, with outstanding acceptance.
It boasts exceptional vineyards of tempranillo, garnacha, graciano, and mazuelo, located in the valleys of the Oja and Tirón rivers. In these lands, soil and climate come together to offer exceptional conditions for the vine, something the Muga family takes full advantage of to craft their renowned wines.
