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Description

Flor de Muga Blanco Reserva is a masterpiece of white winemaking from one of Rioja’s most iconic and historic family estates, Bodegas Muga. Located in the legendary Barrio de la Estación in Haro, this winery is world-renowned for its dedication to tradition, including the rare practice of maintaining its own in-house cooperage to craft bespoke oak barrels. This commitment to quality is evident in every bottle of Flor de Muga.

This exceptional Reserva is a complex, artistic blend of 40% Viura, 30% Garnacha Blanca, and 30% Maturana Blanca. These indigenous varieties are sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the Rioja Alta, where a unique mix of sandy-loam, calcareous, and ferrous clay soils imparts profound character and mineral depth to the fruit. The winemaking process is meticulous: only the 'mosto flor' (free-run juice) is selected, which is then fermented at low temperatures in small oak vats. A key part of its distinctive personality comes from a 3-month maturation period on fine lees in concrete 'Oeuf de Beaune' (egg-shaped tanks), which enhances the wine's natural creaminess and texture without masking its vibrant, aromatic essence. It is subsequently aged for six months in new French oak barrels and refined for a further 18 months in the bottle.

The result is a powerful and sophisticated white wine that defies typical expectations. On the nose, it offers a symphony of elegant sweet spices, such as vanilla, underscored by a delicate, fresh bouquet of white blossoms and bright citrus. On the palate, it is full-bodied and beautifully structured, displaying a luscious, creamy mouthfeel balanced perfectly by a zesty, vibrant acidity. Subtle, refined notes of toast and a hint of salinity carry through to an exceptionally long, lingering finish.

This wine is a 'gastronomical' white—it possesses the structure and weight to stand up to dishes that would overwhelm a lighter white. It pairs beautifully with grilled oily fish, such as salmon or sea bass, white meats, or even complex rice dishes like paella with seafood. It is also an excellent choice for a contemplative glass on its own, showcasing the potential for greatness in Riojan white wines. For those who appreciate depth, history, and the craft of a legendary family estate, Flor de Muga Blanco Reserva is an essential addition to any collection, offering a taste of Spanish winemaking excellence that evolves gracefully in the glass.