Rioja Blanco 2023, Bodegas Muga

Located at a high altitude, these vines are found in the calcareous clay soils of the Valle del Oja and the ferrous-clay soils of the Alto Najerilla in the Rioja region of Spain. The 2023 Rioja Blanco is a blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasía.

This vintage presents a pale, straw-yellow hue and offers a complex aromatic profile featuring aniseed, citrus notes like lemon and lemon cake, complemented by hints of white blossom and subtle vanilla nuances. On the palate, the wine's crisp acidity is well balanced by its volume, with citrus and floral notes reappearing alongside stone fruit flavors, culminating in a very long finish.

This versatile white wine pairs excellently with a variety of dishes. It complements grilled fish, shellfish, and rice dishes, making it a suitable choice for seafood paellas or risottos. Additionally, it serves well as an aperitif or alongside light appetizers, such as salads with soft cheese or steamed mussels.

About the Winery

Nestled in the heart of Rioja Alta, Bodegas Muga has been a pillar of Spanish winemaking since its founding in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño. From its humble beginnings, the winery has been a family-run operation, with the Muga family maintaining their deep commitment to tradition and innovation through generations. The historic winery is located in Haro, one of Rioja’s most iconic towns, and operates out of a 19th-century stone building that exudes old-world charm. Over the decades, Bodegas Muga has become synonymous with high-quality, meticulously crafted wines that honor the legacy of Rioja while embracing modern techniques.

The unique terroir of Rioja Alta plays a vital role in shaping the character of Bodegas Muga's wines. Situated at a higher altitude, the region enjoys a perfect blend of Atlantic and Mediterranean climates, creating a long growing season that allows grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors. The soils in this area, composed of a mix of clay, limestone, and iron-rich components, provide excellent drainage and contribute to the rich minerality and structure of the wines. Vineyards are carefully managed to ensure balance and sustainability, resulting in grapes that reflect the nuances of their environment. This exceptional terroir gives Bodegas Muga’s wines their signature depth, elegance, and aging potential.

At Bodegas Muga, winemaking is an art that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. The winery is renowned for its use of oak in every step of the winemaking process, from fermentation to aging. Unique to the winery, all barrels are crafted in their in-house cooperage, allowing for precise control over the wood’s influence on the wine. Fermentations occur in large oak vats, and aging takes place in a variety of French and American oak barrels, lending the wines a harmonious integration of fruit, spice, and toasted notes. While respecting traditional techniques, Bodegas Muga is unafraid to explore new methods and technologies to enhance quality. Their portfolio, which ranges from classic Rioja reds like Reserva and Gran Reserva to innovative whites and rosés, showcases their commitment to crafting wines that express both their heritage and a forward-looking vision.