Meet the wineries of the Haro Station District of Rioja, Spain, where old tradition born out of innovation.
Haro District
Haro, a historic city was one of the first cities in Spain to have electricity. While winemaking history in the region dates way back, in the 1860’s several wineries made their home near the railway station. It was the Railway that brought them together, put Rioja in communication with the rest of the world and allowed them to showcase their wines to the world.
Today the Haro Station District has the highest concentration of century old wineries creating incredible wines that are continuing the tradition of innovation and what makes the Haro Station District so special.
I recently went to an event showcasing 5 of the historic wineries in the Haro Station District. I had the opportunity along with my Winephabet Street partner Lori Budd of Exploring the Wine Glass to interview 3 of the wineries from the Haro District at the Rioja Railway Wine Experience held at the High Line in New York City.
Bodegas Muga
Founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Cano. They were closet winemakers, making wines in an underground cellar until 1968 when they built their winery. They have their own onsite cooperage with a Master Cooper and three assistants. They are the only winery in Spain that makes their own barrels. They are now in the third generation and follow their grandfather’s philosophy of winemaking
We had the wonderful opportunity to interview Juan Muga as he talks about his family winery his wines and the history behind it. “Power is Balance”
Bodegas Muga Wines
2015 Bodegas Muga Torre Muga This is a blend of 75% Tempranillo 15% Mazuelo and 10% Graciano. It spent 18 months in new Allier French oak barrels and 6 months in oak vat. It’s big, it’s nice, easy drinking with black fruit and nice black pepper spice on the finish. SRP $110
2010 Bodegas Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva A blend of 80% Tempranillo 10% Garnacha with the balalnce of Mazuelo and Graciano. Aged for 9 months in new French oak and then 27 months in second-fill French and American oak barrels. Then the wine is bottled and aged 36 months in the cellar before released. This particular vintage was a “perfect” vintage in their eyes. Beautiful plum and dark fruit with the black pepper spice and soft on the palate.
2015 Bodegas Muga Reserve Another wine made with a bled of 70% Tempranillo 20% Garnacha and 10% Mazuelo and Graciano. This was aged 24 months in 70% French oak barrels and 30% American oak barrels. Then aged for another 12 months in the bottle before release. Nice red and black fruit, cherry, blackberry, violets and white pepper on the finish. SRO $30
