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Description

Bodegas Muga, nestled in the historic Barrio de la Estación in Haro, Rioja Alta, is a standard-bearer for quality and tradition. The Selección Especial is a testament to their dedication, produced only in exceptional vintages where the grapes reach the perfect balance of ripeness and acidity. This wine is crafted using a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo, and 3% Graciano, sourced from clay-limestone soils at the foot of the Montes Obarenes and Sierra Cantabria ranges. What sets Muga apart is their commitment to traditional methods; they are the only winery in Spain with an in-house cooperage, crafting their own oak vats and barrels. This wine undergoes a meticulous journey: fermentation in oak vats, followed by 26 months of ageing in French oak barrels, and a final refinement of at least 18 months in the bottle before release. The result is a sophisticated and harmonious Rioja that captures the soul of the region. On the nose, it offers an intense bouquet of ripe red and black fruits, beautifully layered with baking spices, vanilla, tobacco, and subtle balsamic notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied and sumptuous, with a silky texture and polished tannins that speak to its careful maturation. It finishes long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression of fruit and toasted spice. This is a versatile and structured wine that shines alongside traditional Spanish gastronomy—think slow-roasted suckling lamb, pork paella, or a rich steak with roasted peppers. It also pairs magnificently with hard sheep’s milk cheeses like Manchego or a rich mushroom risotto. Whether you choose to enjoy it now after a short decant or cellar it for the next decade to watch its secondary aromas evolve, the Muga Selección Especial is a remarkable expression of Rioja heritage.