Muga White 2018

Winery Background:

Bodegas Muga is a family-owned winery established in 1932 in the heart of Spain’s Rioja region. The winery is known for combining traditional methods with modern techniques to craft wines of exceptional quality. Muga uses oak barrels for fermentation, which is unique in modern winemaking, and places a strong emphasis on producing wines that reflect the Rioja terroir. The Muga White, or “Blanco,” showcases the region’s potential for excellent white wines, which is less commonly known compared to Rioja’s famed reds.

The 2018 vintage benefits from an excellent growing season, where cooler temperatures allowed for slow, even ripening of the grapes. This white wine is a blend predominantly made from the Viura grape (90%) with a small percentage of Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca (10%), giving it added complexity and freshness.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Bright straw yellow with greenish tints.

• Nose: Clean and expressive aromas of citrus fruits like lemon and lime, combined with stone fruits such as peach and pear. There’s also a floral element, with notes of white blossom, combined with subtle vanilla and toasted oak from the fermentation in oak barrels.

• Palate: Fresh and vibrant, with lively acidity balancing out the creamy texture. The flavors of citrus and green apple are prominent, with underlying mineral notes and a slightly spicy, oaky finish.

• Aging Potential: While enjoyable young, the wine has the structure to evolve over the next 3-4 years, developing additional depth and complexity.

Wine Pairing:

Muga White 2018 pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods due to its balance of acidity and texture:

• Seafood: Grilled fish, shrimp, and mussels.

• White meats: Roast chicken or turkey.

• Cheeses: Soft cheeses such as goat cheese or manchego.

• Vegetarian dishes: Grilled vegetables, risotto, or salads with vinaigrette.

• Pasta: Creamy pasta dishes with seafood or light alfredo sauce.

Scores:

• Wine Spectator: 90 points

• Wine Enthusiast: 91 points

• Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate): 90 points

• James Suckling: 91 points

Muga White 2018 is a well-balanced and versatile white wine, showcasing the elegance of Rioja’s white grape varieties. It’s a great wine for everyday drinking or pairing with a variety of dishes.