2018 Muga Crianza (Reserva)

Founded in Rioja in 1936, Muga has a range that represents the Rioja and its vineyards in all its aspects and price range. The Muga Crianza on the Spanish market (that's where we buy it) is exactly the same as the Muga Reserva as it is offered on the Dutch market, but at a fraction of the price. This (Spanish) crianza version has had 24 months of education.

The 2018 Reserva is mainly Tempranillo supplemented with about 20% Garnacha, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. There are no stainless steel barrels in Muga, so everything is fermented in oak barrels and then this wine stays for one year in new French oak barrels and one year in used places (3-6 years). It is a Rioja with a modern character with ripe fruit, oak aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh clean flavors that are nicely balanced with the tannins. The Crianza exported in Spain is labeled as Reserva in the rest of the world (reserva is barrel aged for at least 18 months). We buy the wine directly in Spain, which is why this Crianza is actually a Reserva in the rest of the world. Year after year, the Muga Reserve is one of the most reliable and affordable Reservas.

Source Muga and Parker: "The largest volume of the Muga winery is for the red blend Reserva, a wine that is sold as Crianza in Spain (for commercial reasons).