Muga Selección Especial Reserva 2021 is a refined Rioja from Bodegas Muga, crafted from carefully selected low-yield vineyards in Rioja Alta. A blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo, it combines vivid blackberry fruit with cedar, graphite, cocoa and subtle incense. Aged for 26 months in French oak and at least 18 months in bottle, the wine offers polished tannins, impressive structure and a long, elegant finish. 95 points from James Suckling.

James Suckling | JS 95
Published: Jul 28, 2025

Fresh, plush but restrained with blackberries, cedar, graphite, pine, cocoa powder and incense. The fine wood is closely knit to the deep, vivid black fruit with medium to full body and polished tannins. The lengthy finish is structured and caressing. A blend of tempranillo, garnacha, graciano and mazuelo. Drink or hold.

Bodegasmuga.com

Selection of low-yielding vineyards and hand-harvested. Fermented in oak vats and undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrel. Aged for 26 months in French oak, clarified with egg whites, and aged for a minimum of 18 months in the bottle.

Geology and Soil
Sourced from vineyards located on clay-limestone terraces dating back to the Tertiary period, at the foot of the Obarenes Mountains and the Cantabrian Mountains. Poor, well-drained soils that contribute finesse and structure, reflecting the more Atlantic character of the Rioja Alta region.

Elaboration
Selection of low-yield vineyards. Hand-harvested in 180kg crates, transported in refrigerated trucks to preserve all the aromatic freshness. Alcoholic fermentation in oak vats, with gentle pump-overs and spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. Aged for 26 months in French oak barrels from our cooperage, followed by clarification with fresh egg whites and a minimum of 18 months of bottle aging before release.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: Approximately 14% ABV; 
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2021; hand-harvested
Oak: Aged for approximately 26 months in French oak barrels, followed by additional bottle ageing; exact vintage-specific ageing details to be confirmed
Varietals: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano
Farming: Traditional viticulture; specific organic certification not confirmed
Vineyard Area: Selected vineyards in Rioja Alta, around the Haro area of La Rioja, northern Spain
Vinification: Grapes are carefully selected and fermented using indigenous yeasts in wooden vats. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and extended maturation in French oak barrels to develop complexity, structure and integrated tannins
Winemaker: Bodegas Muga winemaking team
Region: Rioja DOCa, Rioja Alta, Spain

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: Decant for approximately 30–60 minutes before serving
Food Pairing: Roast lamb, grilled beef, Iberian pork, game dishes, slow-cooked stews, and aged Manchego cheese