Bodegas Muga "Flor de Muga" Rioja Blanco Reserva 2020
(Rioja, Spain) - [JS 94]

Varietal: 40% Viura, 30% Garnacha Blanca, 30% Maturana

Vineyards: Proprietary field blend bush vineyards planted at high altitudes.

Year(s) Planted: 1940-1980

Viticulture: Traditional Rioja viticulture. A selection of head trained Garnacha vineyards planted on the viticultural climactic extremes of Rioja Alta.

Soils: Sandy-loam (Maturana), Calcareous clay (Garnacha Blanca) and Calcareous and Ferrous clay (Viura).

Climate: Continental with Atlantic influences.

Winemaking: After brief maceration in the press, the free-run must is selected, the first must which comes out of the press by gravity. This is then fermented at a low temperature in small oak vats. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is left on its fine lees for 3 months in an Oeuf de Beaune (concrete wine egg) to preserve the aromas and give body on the palate.

Aging: 6 months in new French oak casks (Nevers and the Normandy town of Les Loges) with a light toast. After that it will undergo a process of refinement and rounding in the bottle for a further 18 months.

Comments: A classic Rioja white wine vinified with three of the region's most important indigenous white varieties. Viura provides weight, structure, and ageing potential. Garnacha Blanca imparts texture, alcohol, and acidity. Maturana adds aroma.