Muga 1988 Blanco

Wine: Muga 1988 Blanco
Winery: Bodegas Muga (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Viura
ABV: 11% vol.

Winemaking:
Selection of various plots owned by Muga and small trusted growers from Rioja Alta. After obtaining the must, it ferments in large old, used wooden vats. The wine remains in contact with its lees for a minimum of 24 months, with no temperature control or rackings between barrels. Partially filtered before bottling during the early months of 1991. Aged for a minimum of 18 months in the bottle within the cellars of Haro before commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Intense yellow color, slightly golden and brilliant. Orange reflections. Very clean, with almost no sediment. Strong sense of thickness.

 

Nose: Lacks some frankness upon opening; woody, with a reductive character heavily influenced by the oak. Intense notes of toast, smoke, and charcoal emerge, along with a shy, fine vanilla background. It needs time to breathe and clean up. Hints of ripe white fruit, toffee, and caramel appear but eventually fade away. What remains is a lean white with notes of anise, ivy, white pepper, and a touch of sweet citrus (grapefruit).

 

Palate: Follows the same path as the nose. Greasy, dry, and bitter, with a curious counterpoint of initial creamy sensations and sweet spices balanced by marked acidity. It refines with time in the glass, becoming franker, losing weight but gaining definition. Appealing, savory, and citric; not overly complex compared to other bottles from the same era, but very lively and nervous.

 

Commentary:
A curious white, halfway between the most traditional Rioja style and Muga's current whites. Ready to drink now. It captures a specific transitional moment for the winery.

 

Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 92