Muga : Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2019

Characteristics and tasting notes for Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2019 Muga

Tasting

Colour
This Spanish red wine reveals a brilliant black cherry hue, of medium to strong intensity, while maintaining excellent clarity.

Nose
Highly complex and intense, the bouquet opens with aromas of well-ripened red and black fruits. It is then enriched with spicy notes of cinnamon and clove, mingled with hints of cedar and cocoa, as well as subtle mineral and undergrowth nuances.

Palate
The attack is silky and elegant, revealing a medium body supported by lovely liveliness. The tannins, remarkably smooth, blend perfectly with the fruity, spicy and mineral flavours. The finish stands out for its length and depth, leaving lingering notes of balsamic herbs and ripe fruit.

Food and wine pairing

This great wine pairs wonderfully with red meats, slow-cooked dishes, roast lamb or game. It will also enhance mushroom or truffle-based recipes, poultry in rich sauces such as duck, as well as characterful aged cheeses.

Serving and storage

With exceptional ageing potential, this Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2019 can be cellared to develop favourably until around 2040.

The elegance and complexity of a great wine from La Rioja by Bodegas Muga

The estate

Founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño, Bodegas Muga is an emblematic institution located in the famous station district of Haro, in La Rioja, Spain. Today, the estate remains entirely owned and run by the founding family, with the third generation now at the helm, including Manuel and winemaker Isaac Muga. The estate stands out for its unwavering commitment to traditional methods, being notably the only Spanish estate to have its own cooperage with resident master craftsmen. This dedication allows Muga to shine internationally while preserving its authenticity.

The vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from selected plots in the north-west of Rioja Alta, spread across several villages such as Sajazarra, Fonzaleche and Tudelilla. Situated at altitudes between 550 and 700 metres, these vines benefit from south-facing slopes and a climate tempered by Atlantic influence. The soils, made up of calcareous clay and alluvial deposits, provide excellent drainage, allowing the berries to achieve a perfect balance between ripeness and freshness.

The vintage

Classified as excellent, one of the highest distinctions for the region, this vintage benefited from very favourable weather conditions. Cooler temperatures as autumn progressed allowed for a late harvest, giving the berries the chance to reach optimal phenolic ripeness while preserving lovely natural acidity.

Winemaking and aging

Produced only in exceptional years, the Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2019 undergoes a meticulous process. After a late manual harvest and rigorous double sorting, alcoholic fermentation takes place in wooden vats with a maceration period of fourteen to sixteen days. The wine is then aged for at least thirty-six months in oak barrels, mostly French with a touch of American oak. After traditional clarification with fresh egg whites, it continues to age in bottle for a further thirty-six months to four years before release.

Grape varieties

This wine is a blend dominated by Tempranillo, complemented by around 17% Garnacha, along with small proportions of Mazuelo and Graciano.