Hobbyist finally finds a Rioja that’s drinkable/enjoyable

Muga Reserva

Rioja

2021

Now before we kick things off, this one was recommended in a previous post of mine quite a lot however there were quite a few people who spoke out against it also. Saying that, it’s the first Rioja I’ve found enjoyable but it definitely didn’t blow me away. At €26, it’s worth a buy again but I’ve different styles at this price point I’d much rather buy.

I had to leave it for about 20 minutes before I got much other than the alcohol on the nose but it really did open up.

Nose: Baked Cherry Pie, Black Fruits, bucket loads of Vanilla & a smokiness that’s non specific. It’s incredibly sweet, almost syrupy smelling darker red fruits. There’s some cider vinegar/barf that I’ve come to expect from Rioja but this time it’s much better balanced and not overpowering. It’s usually what turns me off this style.

Palate:

Not nearly as overt as the nose but still decent. Maraschino Cherry is really prevalent. Reminds me of a Cherry Amaretto sour. Some Raspberry on entry also. Non defined black fruits, some plum. Really fresh. Cider Vinegar carries over from the nose but it’s really well integrated and doesn’t turn me off the wine.

Medium+ body, acidity & tannin. Oak forward, fine drying tannin. Structure is probably the most enjoyable thing about this wine. Palate & nose allow it to be enjoyed without being phenomenal themselves.