Muga is arguably the most traditional bodega in Rioja, based in the heart of Old Haro, and there is not a stainless-steel tank in sight.  They even have their own cooper to give their barrels the perfect amount of toasting.

This is one of Bodega Muga’s top wines. The grapes for this wine are the last to be picked and enter the winery. The wine goes through a very long ageing process consisting of 12 months in large American oak vats, followed by at least 36 months in mainly French oak barrels. Once bottled it is then kept in their cellars for at least another 36 months to complete the ageing process. this creates a wine that has a deep cherry red colour with pronounced aromas of creamy oak, red berry and black forest fruits together with notes of liquorice and toast. The palate is gentle, medium bodied with a silky, fleshy, round texture balanced by lovely freshness. With its ripe, polished tannins and good acidity, this Gran Reserva 2011 is a killer vintage and can be enjoyed today but should age beautifully over several years.

Awarded 99 points with James Suckling.