This traditional Rioja styled wine takes you on an intellectual journey. As Juan Muga describes the Prado Enea, we are “making our grandfathers style” of Gran Reserva Rioja”. Juan is quite proud of this family vineyard. The wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano planted in clay-limestone and alluvial soils at high elevations of 1,800 feet. These high altitude vineyards have 60 year-old vines planted in soils that are quite high in acidity.

Region: Rioja

Varietal Composition: Mainly Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano.

Vinification: Fermentation takes place in large, neutral oak vats; From the Muga press site: “The Prado Enea crop is always the last to be brought into the winery and is selected from plots in the area of Villalba de Rioja, on the south-facing slope of the Montes Obarenes, a recognized high-quality terroir.” The grapes are fermented and macerated in oak vats, followed by aging for at least 36 months in mainly French oak barrels. After bottling, the wines are cellared for at least another 36 months to complete the aging process.

Tasting Notes: Aromatics of black fruit, especially dark plums, and black cherries. Subtle notes of sweet, toasted oak and hints of garrigue. Flavors follow, with restrained tannins, black fruit dominates; balanced, with a long finish. This is a very well-made wine that calls for a full-flavored meal; but – it’s a wine that can definitely be enjoyed all by itself.

By Don Clemens