Wine: Prado Enea 1976 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Muga (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano.
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winery: Bodegas Muga (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano.
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winemaking:
40% of the grapes are sourced from estate vineyards, with the remainder provided by smallholders in Rioja Alta and trusted local producers. Each variety was vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation was carried out in 18,000-liter wooden vats. During racking, a bunch of dried stems (escobajos) was traditionally used as a natural filter. The wine spent 12 months in vats and horizontal tanks to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize. It matured for 48 months in 528 neutral American oak barrels (average age of 12 years), many crafted by the winery’s own cooperage. Total production: 157,344 bottles. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging was required prior to its commercial release.
40% of the grapes are sourced from estate vineyards, with the remainder provided by smallholders in Rioja Alta and trusted local producers. Each variety was vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation was carried out in 18,000-liter wooden vats. During racking, a bunch of dried stems (escobajos) was traditionally used as a natural filter. The wine spent 12 months in vats and horizontal tanks to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize. It matured for 48 months in 528 neutral American oak barrels (average age of 12 years), many crafted by the winery’s own cooperage. Total production: 157,344 bottles. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging was required prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Coppery-ruby color with medium-low depth; very light extraction and
remarkably clear. Its visual profile is closer to a historic aged Rioja
rosé than a standard Gran Reserva. Featuring brilliant orange and
reddish reflections. Broad coppery rim.
Nose:
It presents itself with immense charm and an overflowing personality.
Initial high-intensity aromas of candied red fruit, morello cherries,
bitter orange marmalade, and quince paste are complemented by curious
exotic spices: black cardamom, cloves, and turmeric. This is followed by
an unusual herbaceous layer of caraway, fenugreek, and resin. With
aeration, it gains presence, incorporating elegant reductive notes of
withered roses, white pepper, old leather, and wine-soaked staves.
Palate:
Fresh and spicy on the palate; polished and filled with overripe red
fruit. It retains the sensation of a traditional rosé due to its low
tannin presence and an abundance of sweet citrus notes. Long and savory,
it features a very pleasant touch of sweetness that gives way to
herbaceous and refined bitter nuances. It is driven by a piercing, sharp
acidity.
Commentary:
The 1976 Prado Enea is a singular and evocative red that challenges traditional categories. Its extreme finesse and "rosé-like" character highlight the most ethereal side of Muga's historical winemaking. It is a wine of great personality and "joyful" complexity, where the vibrant acidity and exotic spices create a unique sensory experience that remains remarkably vital.
The 1976 Prado Enea is a singular and evocative red that challenges traditional categories. Its extreme finesse and "rosé-like" character highlight the most ethereal side of Muga's historical winemaking. It is a wine of great personality and "joyful" complexity, where the vibrant acidity and exotic spices create a unique sensory experience that remains remarkably vital.
Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Average: 94
Tasting Group Average: 94
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