Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2019

Prado Enea is the Gran Reserva of Bodegas Muga, one of the most traditional houses in Rioja Alta. It is a blend led by Tempranillo with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, drawn from vineyards in the highest part of the estate on clay-limestone and alluvial soils. The altitude and a long, cool growing season mean these clusters are among the last picked each year, harvested only at full ripeness after an initial selection in the vineyard. That ripeness, combined with the structuring acidity of the limestone soils, gives a wine built to age. The Gran Reserva ageing is long and slow: 36 months in a mix of French and American oak, where extended oxygen exchange resolves the tannins and layers in vanilla, clove and a savoury, cedary depth, followed by 36 months in bottle to integrate and develop tertiary character. The result is a mature, complex red, deep ruby in the glass, with red fruit and dried fig giving way to leather, tobacco and sweet spice. The palate is full bodied yet refined, with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long, layered finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting ahead, with roast and braised meats.