Wine: Muga 1973 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Muga (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 40% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo, 10% Viura
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winery: Bodegas Muga (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 40% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo, 10% Viura
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winemaking:
Forty percent of the grapes are sourced from estate vineyards, with the remainder coming from small Rioja Alta growers and trusted local producers. Each variety is vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in 18,000-liter wooden vats, followed by racking to clean vats using dried grape stalks as a natural filter. The wine remains for 12 months in vats and horizontal tanks for malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It is aged for 36 to 48 months in seasoned American oak barrels (average age of 12 years), many of which are crafted in the winery's own cooperage. Manual rackings occur every four months, followed by fining with fresh egg whites. It undergoes a minimum of four years of bottle aging in the Station District cellars before release.
Forty percent of the grapes are sourced from estate vineyards, with the remainder coming from small Rioja Alta growers and trusted local producers. Each variety is vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in 18,000-liter wooden vats, followed by racking to clean vats using dried grape stalks as a natural filter. The wine remains for 12 months in vats and horizontal tanks for malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It is aged for 36 to 48 months in seasoned American oak barrels (average age of 12 years), many of which are crafted in the winery's own cooperage. Manual rackings occur every four months, followed by fining with fresh egg whites. It undergoes a minimum of four years of bottle aging in the Station District cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Very light ruby color with low depth; translucent and brilliant. Limpid
and sediment-free, featuring amber and garnet reflections. Broad,
tile-colored rim, barely distinct from the meniscus. High viscosity with persistent tearing.
Nose:
Immediately striking; an undeniable masterpiece. A Muga with an
ethereal, autumnal spirit—as deep, seductive, and elegant as the
greatest 1973 Riojas. It maintains the absolute purity of overripe fruit
(strawberry tree, pomegranate, redcurrant) supported by a perfume of
the finest reduction. A complex medley of pipe tobacco, ground
peppercorns, dried morels, violet candies, truffle, moss, and Russian
leather, with an unusual background of bancha tea, abaca, and jute
fibers. Full of personality and unquestionable quality.
Palate:
Its apparent fragility and lack of color transform into remarkable
solidity and balance. Firm and expressive in every phase: caressing to
the touch, vibrant on the palate, and exceptionally fine as it flows.
Its duration and persistence are hard to believe. While a classic Rioja,
it offers an extra dimension compared to the Prado Enea of the same
period, combining power with ethereal lightness. Fresh, enveloping, and
as weightless as it is concentrated.
Commentary:
Without a doubt, the finest Muga wine tasted to date. This 1973 Gran Reserva confirms the legendary status of its vintage, achieving a rare harmony between structural intensity and weightless elegance. A landmark of traditional Rioja winemaking at its absolute peak.
Without a doubt, the finest Muga wine tasted to date. This 1973 Gran Reserva confirms the legendary status of its vintage, achieving a rare harmony between structural intensity and weightless elegance. A landmark of traditional Rioja winemaking at its absolute peak.
Personal Score: 98
Tasting Group Average: 97
Price: 160€
Tasting Group Average: 97
Price: 160€
No comments:
Post a Comment