A benchmark white from one of Rioja’s most respected family producers, Muga Blanco 2023 reflects over 90 years of traditional, hands-on winemaking from the Muga family, who remain fully family-owned and based in Haro. Today, the estate farms around 475 hectares across Rioja Alta and Alto Najerilla, with a strong focus on sustainable vineyard work and long-term vineyard stewardship.

Muga is known for its deeply traditional approach—working almost entirely with oak in the winery, including around 14,000 barrels and 250 oak vats, and avoiding stainless steel altogether. Roughly 60% of their fruit comes from estate vineyards, with the remainder sourced from long-term local growers.

The 2023 vintage was a more challenging year in Rioja, with lower yields due to mildew pressure and a cooler, uneven growing season. Despite this, Muga has produced a focused and finely balanced white Rioja built predominantly from Viura (Macabeo) with small amounts of Garnacha Blanca and Malvasía.

Fermentation takes place in large oak vats and barrel, followed by four months on lees, building texture and depth while preserving freshness. The result is a white wine that is precise, structured and quietly complex rather than overtly rich.

On the nose, it opens with lemon zest, white peach and citrus blossom, layered with subtle herbal tones and a faint savoury edge. The palate is tightly focused and chalky, with stone fruit, citrus oil and a gentle creamy mid-palate from lees ageing. The oak is integrated rather than dominant, carrying through to a long, clean, saline finish.