A Spanish wine has been crowned the best in the world for value by the respected Wine Spectator.
The vino in question is Muga’s Rioja Reserva 2021, an autumnal and deep red from the Rioja Alta region in the north of the country.
The 2021 is a classic blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano grapes, fermented in wood, rested in barrels made in-house, and aged quietly.
Wine Spectator wrote: ‘Except for two weak harvests, the reserva has been produced every year since the label’s debut with the 1968 vintage.
‘The ’21 is a classic example with its core of cherry and plum fruit, yet the sculpted tannins, minerally underpinning and fragrant hints of spices, herbs and coffee mark it as a version with greater complexity, enjoyable now but also cellar-worthy for at least another decade.’
Contributor Alison Napjus added: ‘This is fresh and minerally up front, opening to reveal a fine mesh of chopped cherry and plum skin flavours, with fragrant hints of ground coffee, smoked paprika and dried marjoram.
‘Sculpted tannins define the long, slightly chewy finish.’
