With its previous vintage, the 2015, it was the only Rioja included by the American publication Wine Spectator in its 'top 100' of 2022. This Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2016 once again demonstrates why it is at the pinnacle of classic Riojan wines. Undoubtedly, one of the most important aging wines in our country, signed by Muga, a great winery from Haro.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
General features
Type of wine
Region
Type of barrel
French and American oak barrels
Barrel aging time
36 months
Capacity (cl)
75
General Information
Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2016 is a classic-style red wine that is only produced in exceptional vintages. Its blend includes four varieties: tempranillo (majority), garnacha, mazuelo, and graciano. The grapes that nourish this red wine are always the last to be harvested by the winery, and come from a meticulous selection of high-altitude plots located in the northwest of La Rioja Alta, in the municipalities of Sajazarra, Cellorigo, and Fonzaleche. After fermenting in oak vats, it undergoes a very long aging process of 36 months in French and American oak barrels and another 36 months in the bottle.
After almost a century of history, the Muga family holds a privileged place in the history of Rioja wine, and more specifically in that of the Barrio de la Estación in Haro. There, in 1932, Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño gave the green light to a project that, over the years, set a benchmark in Rioja. Not only with their wines, some of which are among the best in Spain, but also with their exceptional mastery of oak aging, which they have showcased for decades. In fact, it is the only winery in Spain with a master cooper and three in-house coopers, a team capable of giving the wines a unique and inimitable personality. Muga is one of the most reliable and recognizable names in Rioja, founded in 1932 by the family that gives it its name: the Mugas, today led by seven cousins of 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 of the same municipality.
Bodegas Muga is characterized by its fidelity to traditional winemaking: gravity racking, egg white fining, and all the reds 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 bets on modern technology, monitoring the plants.
This winery also stands out for its mastery in aging, especially long aging, as its reds exceed the aging times stipulated by the D.O.Ca
Creators' opinion
Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2016 shows a cherry-red color, with medium intensity. On the nose, it reveals an elegant combination of forest fruits (blackberry, mulberry) with spices like cinnamon and clove. The entry is silky, with medium volume and a very long and pleasant finish. We find velvety tannins in perfect harmony with its fresh and perfectly integrated acidity. We also find creamy notes of vanilla mixed with fresh fruit. Perfect to consume now or in the coming years.
The winery
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.