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BODEGAS MUGA
In a part of the world where tradition and heritage play a defining role in the processes and resulting flavour profile of the wines, there are few – if any – wineries who have remained as steadfastly committed to preserving the noble winemaking tradition of the Rioja, as Bodegas Muga. Located in the historic train station district of Haro, at the epicentre of the great wine history of the Rioja, Bodegas Muga has been crafting traditional wines of character and distinction since 1932. Here, amongst a handful of other pioneering neighbours, Muga has front and centre in helping to build the worldwide reputation and strong following of Rioja wine. Spicy and complex barrel aged wines, both white and red, remain the hallmark of this great family winery, who today, farms 600+ acres of vineyard across Spain’s most famous wine producing appellation.
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2014 BARREL FERMENTED WHITE RIOJA
True lovers of great wine reserve a special place for the amazing, complex, and treasured white Rioja. Made from 100% Viura grapes, Muga’s barrel aged white spends about half a year in French oak barrels ahead of bottling. The resulting wine showcases a perfect balance of super bright, lemony, fresh acidity and floral aromatics; alongside a distinct spicy and complex set of barrel aged flavours and aromas–a lovely marriage.
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WITH FOOD
Classic, barrel aged White Rioja, like this outstanding example from Bodegas Muga, is amongst the most versatile and profoundly satisfying white wines to pair with food that you can find anywhere. Traditional matches include white meats like pork or chicken, as well as fuller flavoured fish and seafood dishes, including Paella or Arroz. This white is also perfect with firm, fuller flavoured, aged cheeses like Manchego.
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RECIPE IDEAS
Valencian Paella w/ Rabbit & Snails
Grilled Pork Stuffed w/ Manchego, Membrillo & Sage
Lemon & Rosemary Scented Whole Roasted Chicken
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EXPERT OPINION
“The 2014 Muga Blanco Fermentado en Barrica (Barrel Fermented Blanco) is a blend of the white grapes from Rioja, Viura, Malvasía Riojana and some others, which fermented in oak barrels (mostly from Nevers in France and from Hungary) where it matures in contact with the fine lees until February next to the vintage (4-5 months in total). This wine has an extremely low pH, 3.05, responsible for its brightness and its limpid, pale color. The wine was bottled a couple of weeks before my tasting, but does not show any signs of fatigue. This is a fruit-forward white, subtle and elegant, with some minerality, white flowers and fruit. The palate is soft, with integrated acidity and very clean, focused flavors. It’s a gentle white with less acidity than 2013 (which was sold out pretty quickly), easy to drink. Approachable, but will last more than what most people think.” –LG, RobertParker.com
89/100 Points
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Producer: Bodegas Muga
Wine: Barrel Fermented White Rioja
Origin: Rioja, Spain
Vintage: 2014
LCBO #: 958736
Price: Sold Out! But please browse ADDITIONAL VINTAGES AND OFFERINGS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE from Muga.