Muga aro

• Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 30% Graciano

• Vineyards: El Estepal, La Loma, Baltracones, La Loma Alta, and Sajazarra, planted between 1926-1976 and located in Barrio de la Estación, Haro, Rioja Alta. Traditional viticulture of Rioja Alta. Proprietary head trained and trellised vineyards planted in high altitude areas of Rioja Alta. Organic, uncertified. The grapes for Aro are selected from the coolest climate growing regions in Rioja Alta.

• Soils: Calcareous clay and alluvial.

• Winemaking: 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. 24 months total in French oak, 16 of which are in new French oak barrels. The rest of the ageing is finished in large oak vats that are produced by hand at the winery.

• Comments: 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.