2011 Bodegas Muga Rioja, Spain ‘Blanco’

About This Wine

Imagine how good a wine would be if only the highest-quality grapes were used to craft it.

That’s the approach taken at Bodegas Muga, located in Spain’s Rioja region. In crafting its “Blanco” bottling — a Viura-based blend that includes a splash of Malvasia Bianca — only the top 50% of the grapes make the cut.

Here’s how the process works: Once the grapes are hand-harvested at their peak of ripeness, they’re brought to the winery and placed on sorting tables. At that point, any grapes that are not up to Muga standards are eliminated. A second evaluation takes place once the grapes have been crushed and a significant portion of the musts goes away.

Only then does the winemaking process move forward, and that’s what accounts for the elegant style of the Muga “Blanco.” Aging for four months in French oak barrels lends another layer of complexity, resulting in a wine that’s truly a delight to drink.

About White Blend

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:90% Viura and 10% Malvasia Bianca
• Grape Source:Spain’s Rioja Region
• Aromas & Flavors:Honeysuckle, Citrus Oil, White Currant and Flowers
• Aging Vessels:French Oak Barrels for 4 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2015
• Food Pairing Suggestionlightly seasoned chicken dishes.

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Recipes.

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  Chicken Piccata One of our favorite wine recipes-- try it yourself with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio or a white blend... Get The Recipe
  

  White Wine Cheese Ball Okay, it may be a bit of a stretch to place the classic label on a cheese ball. But when you make it with your favorite white wine, it does lend a touch of... class. And what better way to spend your time as your count down the hours to a... Get The Recipe
  

  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Papaya Pear Mango Salsa Normally, we provide Vinesse members with complete recipes for wine-friendly fare. This month, however, we thought we'd share a pair of "topping" recipes that will bring any number of main course selections to life. We begin with this salsa recipe from our friends at Sonoma County's Kenwood Vineyards. Try it over sea bass, halibut or salmon for a palate-awakening change of pace, and enjoy it with Sauvignon Blanc, White Bordeaux or almost any white blend. Get The Recipe
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  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Pasta With Scallop And Wine Sauce A light dish for a lazy summer meal, this recipe makes 4 servings and matches beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or white blends... Get The Recipe
  

  Fettuccine Alfredo Try this recipe - a flavorful change of pace from the typical Alfredo sauce - with Pietra Santa's "Sasso Bianco," or any other medium-bodied to full-flavored white wine. It serves 6 to 8... Get The Recipe
  

  Linguine With Chicken And Pesto Pasta is not strictly a red wine dish. It all depends on the preparation, and this particular pasta creation matches beautifully with Chardonnay. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
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  Shrimp & Peppers Over Fettucine A delicious spring entree. Shrimp and Peppers over Fettuccine. This recipe makes 2 servings, and is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine... Get The Recipe
  

  Asparagus & Morel Salad Summertime is salad time, and any of your favorite white wines would be great matches for this recipe, courtesy of Masa's restaurant in San Francisco. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Turkey Soup With Wild Rice And Mushrooms This wintertime favorite matches beautifully with Chardonnay, Bordeaux Blanc, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio. It makes about 12 servings. Get The Recipe