Product Overview
Importer's Notes
"Composed of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo, and 3% Graciano, the Reserva is produced from a completely traditional and sustainable style of Riojan viticulture, which is in fact organic, but uncertified. Vineyards that are planted in the coolest, highest altitude parts of Rioja Alta. The vines grow on terraced calcareous clay soils from the Tertiary or Cenozoic period. The climate is continental with Atlantic influences.
A pied de cuve is done to guarantee the quality of the indigenous fermentation in vats that are assembled by the winery's cooper. This is completely unique to Bodegas Muga. The wines are macerated and ferment in these vats and are transferred to barrels. The wine is aged 24 months in barrels with French & American oak chosen and assembled into barrels by Muga’s cooper. 12 months in bottle after egg white fining."
Varietal Composition: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo, 3% Graciano
Appellation: Rioja DOC
Aging: 24 months in French and American oak barrels, followed by 12 months in bottle prior to release
93+ Points - Wine Advocate
"The 2022 Reserva, sold as Crianza in Spain, has more tertiary notes than other people's Gran Reserva, even though it has a very classical profile. It is mostly Tempranillo with some Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano from vineyards no more than 25 kilometers from the winery in Haro, cropped from a warm and dry year. Here, what they did was wait; it rained a little, the plants unblocked and they had the patience to wait for the grapes to ripen fully. So, the grapes were in a very healthy state, and winemaker Isaac Muga likes to ferment the grapes destemmed and lightly crushed in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and then mature the wine in 90% French and 10% American oak barrels for 22 months, with racking every eight to nine months. It has good ripeness, 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.59 and 5.45 grams of acidity, and it's medium- to full bodied, concentrated but sleek and polished, with fine-grained tannins, very supple flavors and a chalky finish. It still has some toasty notes in the finish that should integrate with a little bit more time. 945,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2025. They are very happy with 2022, and they even produced Prado Enea and a tiny quantity of Aro." -LG, 3/12/26
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"With a mix of fresh blackberry and black cherry notes, this has crystalline precision to go with its rich array of flavors. It's framed by aromas of licorice root, tobacco, coffee-toffee, and baking chocolate, finishing with chalk dust and earthy spice. It'll be excellent over the next 7-10 years." -JS, 11/1/26
92 Points - Wine Spectator
"A sleek red, with flavors of black cherry and cured tobacco, plus accents of anise, smoked paprika and espresso, all trimmed nicely by refined, chalky tannins. This is enjoyable today but shows the stuffing for cellaring. Tempranillo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2040. 82,000 cases made, 15,000 cases imported." -AN, 10/31/26
91 Points - Vinous
"The 2022 Reserva was aged 24 months in casks made in Muga’s own cooperage (80% French oak, 20% American) and blends Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. On the nose, fine oak tones of cedar, sandalwood and subtle spice frame red and black fruit with balsamic hints. The palate is dry and juicy, with fine, reactive tannins that lend a slightly compact structure. Fruit and gentle grip echo through the finish." -JH, Apr/2026
