From: Rioja, Spain
Blend: Garnacha and Viura
Critical Acclaim: JS 92 James Suckling
This is a pretty rosé with sliced cherry, orange peel and peach. Medium body and very bright, with fresh acidity and graphite and mineral undertones. Jazzy acidity. 60% grenache, the rest viura. Co-fermented.
90 points Wine Advocate
The pink 2021 Rosado was produced mostly with Garnacha and some Viura that fermented in small oak vats and was kept with the lees that were worked for 16 weeks. It's pale, subtle and fresh in this approachable and cool vintage. It's floral, elegant and precise, with a faint bitter twist in the finish. 2021 is a very good vintage for whites and rosés. 301,200 bottles produced. It was bottled at different times from one single master blend. I tasted a bottle that had been filled in February 2022.
Taste: When poured into the glass, the 2021 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado is a visual delight with its beautiful pale pink Provençal color. An alluring bouquet greets the nose, notably rose petals intertwined with red berry fruits, wild strawberries, orange zest and peach notes. The palate is soft, full & balanced by a vibrant acidity that leads into a tangy, refreshing finish. A delicious, well-rounded rosé with remarkable complexity.
The Wine Advocate awarded this vintage 90 points, highlighting its floral, elegant, and authentic character with a subtle bitter twist in the finish. James Suckling was equally impressed, bestowing 92 points and lauding its sliced cherry, orange peel, and peach flavors, underscored by bright acidity and mineral undertones.
Pairing: This delightful rosé is versatile and pairs wonderfully with an array of dishes. Whether it's a seafood platter, a comforting pasta (check out the recipe below!), a flavorful rice dish, or a fresh salad, the 2021 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado enhances the dining experience with its refreshing and complex profile.
Spaghetti With Burrata and Garlic-Chile Oil
By Sarah Copeland
About. Imagine a serene Spanish vineyard where the earth meets the sky in a graceful ballet of vines and clouds. History and modernity combine to create some of the most enticing wines in this tranquil setting. Among these, the 2021 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado stands out, emanating elegance and vivacity from its pale pink hue.
A Taste of Tradition and Sophistication
Bodegas Muga, nestled in the Barrio de la Estación area of Haro in the Rioja Alta region, carries a rich legacy. Since its inception in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño, the winery has been a tapestry of tradition and innovation. The Muga family initially produced wine in an underground cellar. Still, their unwavering commitment to excellence led them to establish their winery in a picturesque 19th-century townhouse.
The estate uniquely employs its master cooper, ensuring the oak casks and vats are perfectly made in-house. This dedication is a testament to the family's vision of producing authentic wines without compromising quality.
Vineyard's Treasure: The 2021 Rosado
The 2021 vintage was particularly favorable for white and rosé wines, and Bodegas Muga's Rosado is no exception. Comprising 60% Garnacha, 30% Viura, and 10% Tempranillo, the wine is sourced from estate vineyards (65%) and vineyards leased in the Alta Najerilla valley in Rioja Alta. The vineyards, planted between 1926 and 1986, are farmed sustainably, focusing on organic practices. The terroir, with its calcareous clay, red clay, and alluvial soils, coupled with a continental climate with Atlantic influences, imparts a distinct character to the grapes.
The winemaking process of this classic Rioja clarete is a beautiful symphony. The red and white varieties are co-fermented and macerated for 12 hours. The must is pressed and fermented in small, old wooden upright vats. It is kept in contact with the lees for three months, adding depth and complexity to the wine.
