Muga - Blanco Rioja - Spain

Overview: The Blanco is made up predominately of Viura, with the remainder a combination of Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca. While all fruit comes from Barrio de la Estación, Haro, Rioja Alta, 65% of the fruit comes from estate vineyards with the remaining fruit coming from long-term vineyard contracts in the foothills of the Montes Obarenes in Rioja Alta. The fruit is dry-farmed and was planted between 1926 and 1986, growing up on a combination of calcareous clay and alluvial soils. Upon harvest the fruit sees an eight-hour maceration in a pneumatic press, followed by fermentation (inoculated with neutral yeast) in 60% new French oak barriques and large upright vats. The wine ages for 5 months sur lie before release.

Tasting Notes: This wine has a lovely straw-yellow colour. It is intense and complex on the nose with floral aromas (white blossom, jasmine), stone (peaches) and citrus (grapefruit, lemon) fruit, pears, apples and banana. Very fine and elegant. On the palate the attack is very smooth and balanced. You can sense the freshness and minerality in the mouth, with very well-integrated acidity, giving the wine length and a very long finish with reminders of vanilla and citrus fruit.

Pairing: Perfect with grilled fish, shellfish and rice dishes, among others. Ideal for drinking by the glass, as a starter or with a small appetiser on a terrace.

Points: 92, James Suckling

Format / ABV: 750 ml / 13.5

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