BODEGAS MUGA | Rioja | Selectión Especial | Reserva | 2016
tempranillo | grenache | graciano | carignan

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Today we are going to review a genuine and, according to some wine critics, a legendary Rioja blend from Spain – Rioja Selectión Especial Reserva 2016 by Bodegas Muga. Rioja (which is Spain‘s most famous wine region) is known for its fruity-savory and dusty wines that have the ability to age well for many years. Rioja is one of very few European winemaking regions that uses american oak barrels for ageing. The region itself is moderated by the Sierra Cantabria – a small but jagged mountain range that stops clouds from coming into the Rioja valley. The wines of Rioja are based mainly on the tempranillo grape variety, which is the champion grape of the region. The wine we are reviewing today is produced only in the best vintages – a blend of four grape varieties: tempranillo, grenache (called garnacha in Spain), graciano and carignan (known locally as mazuelo), where tempranillo forms the wine’s main body and structure, garnacha is all about up-front richness and red fruit flavors, graciano builds a more refined mid-palate, whereas mazuelo offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish. In order to soften the tannins and add extra complexity to the final blend, and contrary to the local traditions, this wine has been aged for 26 months in new, french oak barrels. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the slopes of Montes Obarenes and Sierra Cantabria vineyards, planted on clay and limestone soils. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: deep ruby color
clarity: hazy garnet shades

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & elegant
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

On the first nose, this wine reveals a compelling fusion of ripe and dehydrated fruit character. The foreground is dominated by a medley of dark, ripe fruits, showcasing black cherries and black plums, intermingled with subtle spice and oak undertones. A symphony of blackberries, aronia berry and a hint of cigar box contribute to the rich and complex aromatic profile. A subtle earthiness in the background adds depth and a genuine sense of terroir, with notes of granite and pencil lead. This wine delivers a harmonious balance between its vibrant fruit expression and the underlying savory and earthy nuances.

//Palate
sweetness: bone dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: medium | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: ripe & seedy

On the palate, this wine delivers a well-structured and complex expression, showcasing a delightful interplay between ripe & dehydrated red and black fruits, accompanied by subtle spice & oak notes. The mouthfeel is characterized by crisp acidity, that imparts freshness, complemented by ripe tannins that provide a velvety texture to the wine’s body. A notable touch of alcoholic warmth adds depth and contributes to the overall full-bodied nature of this wine. The aftertaste is ripe and seedy, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. This wine offers a harmonious balance of fruit-driven vibrancy and structural complexity. The integration of oak-derived nuances enhances the wine’s depth, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a genuine and robust Rioja blend.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within the next 2-3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is a rich and ample wine, epitomizing a genuine Rioja character with its distinctive personality – a wine that is mixing power with finesse. With a velvety and crisp mouthfeel the wine  captures the essence of its origin, offering a harmonious marriage of rustic charm, vibrancy of fruit and refined sophistication. Whether savored today or allowed to age for a couple more years, this Rioja blend is a must-try for any wine enthusiast seeking a top-quality blend that seamlessly encapsulates the region’s winemaking prowess.

//Scoring
BODEGAS MUGA | Rioja | Selectión Especial | Reserva | 2016
variety: tempranillo | grenache | graciano | carignan
country: Spain
region: Rioja
rating: 94.5

//Prediction
predicted rating: 90+
actual rating: 94

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This is definitely a great wine of Spain and, with a total of 94.5 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Judging by the wine’s complex and rich flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a perfectly roast beef tenderloin with a velvety red wine reduction. The wine’s vibrant fruit character, featuring ripe and dehydrated red and black fruits, with those subtle spice and oak undertones, will complement the succulence and tenderness of the beef tenderloin. In the same key, the wine’s bold mouthfeel and ripe tannins will enhance the meat’s rich texture, creating a luxurious dining experience. The wine’s seedy aftertaste and crisp acidity will cut through the richness of the beef, providing a refreshing contrast. This pairing has the potential to highlight the wine’s origin, bringing together the bold flavors in the wine with the elegance of the dish. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.