Torre Muga 2021

Bodegas Muga makes Torre Muga, its leading red, in Rioja Alta from a blend of around 75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and 10% Graciano. The vines grow on south-west facing slopes on the foothills of the Obarenes mountains, on marl soils that hold water through the dry summer and lend the wine structure and freshness. Old vines and a continental climate tempered by Atlantic influence give small, concentrated berries with firm acidity. Fermentation runs spontaneously with native yeasts in wooden vats, and the wine then ages 18 months in French oak, where the slow ingress of oxygen builds a fine tannic frame and adds cedar, vanilla and toast. The Graciano contributes colour and acidity, the Mazuelo grip, while Tempranillo carries the red and dark fruit. It shows a deep red. The nose offers ripe blackberry and plum, tobacco, leather and sweet oak spice. The palate is full and structured, with firm but polished tannins, dark fruit and a long savoury finish that points to good cellaring. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant for an hour. It is built for roast and grilled red meat.