Bodegas Muga 2020 Rioja Blanco

A New York Times selection for under $20 Wines for Sultry Weather. The New York Times said about the 2019 "This wine from Muga, an excellent producer that does both traditional and modern very well, is not like that. It’s a more contemporary expression, made with the usual grapes, viura, garnacha blanca and malvasia, and it’s highly satisfying: rich, bright and lively, with floral and citrus aromas and flavors."

Hand-harvested. After light maceration of the must with the skins in the press, fermentation takes place in wooden vats and new, lightly-toasted, French-oak casks made with wood from the Nevers region. Once the alcoholic fermentation is complete it remains in the casks for a further 3 months, with stirring of the fine lees twice per week to keep them in contact with the wine and protecting it from oxygen while providing a smooth mouth-feel and added complexity.

This is the latest release from the 2020 vintage and Vinous Media scored it 92 points saying "Light yellow. Lively and sharply focused on the nose, displaying fresh citrus and orchard fruit scents and subtle vanilla and floral overtones. Shows sharp definition and spicy lift to the Meyer lemon, pear and honeysuckle flavors, which deepen through the midpalate. Closes long and juicy, with repeating florality and a dusty mineral flourish."

The Muga winery was founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martínez who originated from a family with strong ties to the winemaking industry. On the death of the founder in 1969, his children Manuel, Isabel and Isaac Muga Caño took over the reins. In 1971, they moved their headquarters to their present location in the traditional Station District on the outskirts of Haro. Over the years as Bodegas Muga has gained worldwide recognition for its outstanding wines it holds on to the spirit of a family-run company.