2020 Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja

I loved the 2020 Muga Reserva, a spicy, complex, classic Rioja that has both red and black fruits, ample cedary spice, leather, and violet-driven aromas, medium to full body, a ripe, supple, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and the rest Graciano and Mazuelo, it's perfect for drinking over the coming decade.

92 points jebdunnuck.com

Ripe but fresh nose of currants, blackberries, chocolate and plums. Not a big red, rather fluid and medium-bodied with soft tannins. A juicy, drinkable Muga Reserva that is already appealing.

92 points jamessuckling.com

The 2020 Muga vintage is very highly ranked in the list of the world’s 100 best wines, drawn up by Wine Spectator, as the best Spanish wine in the classification. The prestigious American magazine, which produces this ranking each year, has taken into consideration value for money, availability and what they call “the X factor” (which is related to the story behind the wine). The family firm thus manages to consolidate the reputation of the brand beyond the national market, reaffirming the exceptional quality of their wines.

Muga holds a key place in the chart as well as an outstanding points score, among a great selection of international wines and achieving the best placing for a wine from Spain in 2024.

With an exceptional score, Muga 2020 has stood out among a large number of wines from all over the world and is considered the best example of Spanish viticulture in the current year.

Muga 2020 has been recognised for its careful winemaking process which combines tradition with the latest technological innovations, producing a wine with exceptional structure and finesse. Aged for 24 months in American- and French-oak casks – made in the bodega’s own coopers’ shop -, this red wine displays a wide range of aromas and flavours which have earned it this award.

Bodegas Muga Reserva is a classic Rioja red wine that exemplifies the balance of tradition and modernity for which the Muga family is renowned. Founded in 1932 and situated in the heart of Haro in Rioja Alta, Bodegas Muga remains family-owned and continues to produce exceptional wines with meticulous craftsmanship. Their Reserva is a hallmark of the estate, showcasing the elegance, complexity, and depth characteristic of Rioja’s finest offerings.

This Reserva is primarily made from Tempranillo (70%), blended with Garnacha (20%), and smaller amounts of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano (10%). The grapes are sourced from estate vineyards planted in clay-limestone and alluvial soils, which contribute to the wine's structure and finesse. Rioja Alta’s temperate climate, influenced by the Atlantic, ensures a slow ripening process, allowing the fruit to develop a perfect balance of ripeness and acidity.

At Bodegas Muga, winemaking combines traditional methods with state-of-the-art precision. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in large oak vats, followed by aging for 24 months in oak barrels crafted in-house by their own coopers—a rarity among wineries. After barrel aging, the wine spends an additional 12 months in bottle before release, ensuring optimal integration of flavors.

In the glass, Bodegas Muga Reserva displays a deep ruby color with garnet reflections. The nose is a harmonious blend of red and black fruits, such as cherries, plums, and blackberries, complemented by notes of vanilla, cedar, tobacco, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a vibrant acidity that frames flavors of ripe fruit, cocoa, and earthy undertones. The finish is long and refined, leaving a lasting impression of balance and elegance.

This Reserva is an ideal companion for a variety of dishes, including roasted lamb, grilled steak, or earthy mushroom risotto. It also pairs wonderfully with cured meats and aged Manchego cheese. While approachable now, the wine has the structure and complexity to age gracefully for 10-15 years, developing additional layers of complexity over time.