Bodegas Muga Aro

Grape

Graciano

Tempranillo

Tasting Note

Aro is the top wine produced by Bodegas Muga, an astounding wine that combines atypical power with the elegance and liveliness of the wines from Rioja Alta. It is only produced in the best vintages, when the Graciano they need can ripen properly in the high altitude, extreme areas where Bodegas Muga has their vineyards. These cold, high altitude, extreme vineyard are atypical for Rioja - most bodegas would not dare cultivate grapes in such climates. In perfect years Bodegas Muga is rewarded, however, as it allows them to create wines with tremendous power, elegance, freshness, and balance.

The grapes are sorted extensively at the winery and undergo indigenous yeast fermentation in 2,000L open top oak fermenters. The fermentation is spontaneous and without temperature control. The wine is transferred to French oak for malolactic and ageing.

Very intense, black-cherry colour almost opaque, dense robe and purple hues. It looks very young with little sign of evolution. Sensations of concentration and depth, with loads of nuances which will be heightened by the bottle ageing, and which will become more marked with the passing of time. Sensations of fruit to the fore, recalling red fruit and small, very ripe wild berries (blackberries, redcurrants, wild strawberries…), floral (violet petals) and mineral (graphite, iron) notes. Spicy hints of cinnamon and black pepper from the ageing. With the oak very well integrated which displays the high quality of the selected wood. Potent structure on the palate, full-bodied with firm tannins of great elegance and quality, balanced by splendid acidity. It gives a sense of solidity with no cracks or sharp edges, hearty, with great balance and a sensation of freshness. Full of flavour, supple and broad ranging reminders of fruit, minerals and spices in the mouth aromas. The sensations on the nose are reproduced, but perhaps sharper and better defined. A long, full, elegant aftertaste.

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