El Andén de la Estación 2023

El Anden de la Estacion 2023 is a barrel-aged Rioja from Bodegas Muga, the family winery founded in Haro in 1932 and now run by the third generation from the Barrio de la Estacion, with 200 hectares of its own vineyards. The wine blends Tempranillo with Garnacha from vineyards on the slopes around Haro, in Rioja Alta. The continental climate tempered by Atlantic air ripens the fruit gradually and keeps acidity firm, while the slope sites give good drainage and exposure. Tempranillo supplies the structure and red fruit and Garnacha adds warmth and body. The wine ages fourteen months in French oak, which lends a tighter, more savoury spice than American oak, with the slow oxygen exchange through the wood softening the tannins and binding fruit to barrel. It is direct and characterful, with black cherry, cassis and ripe red fruit on the nose, wrapped in oak spice, and a palate of red currant, plum and pepper over an earthy, savoury base. The tannins are firm but fine and the finish is long. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting ahead, with roast lamb or grilled beef.