2013 Conde de Haro
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Tasting notes
(fermented in 1,000-liter wooden vats and aged in bottle, on its lees, for 14 months) Light yellow-gold. Displays mineral-laced aromas of ripe citrus and orchard fruits, white flowers and ginger, along with a subtle hint of toasty lees in the background. Juicy, energetic and sharply focused, offering vibrant Meyer lemon, pear and honeysuckle flavors that stain the palate. Carries no excess weight and closes spicy, sappy and quite long, leaving bitter pear skin and floral notes behind. This is a pretty serious example of Spanish bubbly and, coming from Rioja, a bit of a rarity as well.
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
2013 was a weird vintage for reds, but at Muga they consider it very good for whites, Rosés and sparklers. Yes, because they produce a sparkling wine under the Cava appellation, but it is produced with Rioja grapes grown in Rioja. The 2013 Conde de Haro is not produced in every vintage, as they only do it in years with high acidity (and 2013 certainly was like that); they pick the white grapes interplanted with red varieties in old vineyards in cooler zones. The blend can be approximately 90% Viura and some 10% Malvasía Riojana fermented in oak vats without malolactic, with a second fermentation in bottle where it is kept in contact with the lees for no less than two years. There is a very nice combination of nutty and yeasty aromas, and very good freshness, as the vintage was very good for white wines that show. The bubbles are fine and nicely integrated in the wine; it's not aggressive at all. 30,000 bottles produced.
About the producer
Nestled in the historic town of Haro, at the very heart of Rioja Alta, Bodegas Muga stands as a beacon of tradition and excellence, seamlessly marrying time-honoured winemaking with the finest modern refinements.