Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Bodegas Muga – Aro 2019
Rioja DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A prestige cuvée from Bodegas Muga, Aro represents one of the most refined modern expressions of Rioja. Crafted in small quantities from Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, the 2019 vintage balances juicy fruit with structure, elegance, and longevity. (Educational note: Muga ferments with indigenous yeasts in oak vats and ages Aro in French oak, blending traditional Rioja methods with modern precision.)

Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red berries (raspberry, strawberry, and red plum) lead the way, framed by subtle blackberry and cassis. Layers of vanilla, cocoa, and spice from oak intertwine with floral and mineral notes.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins. Decanted for 2 hours, it opened beautifully — long, elegant, and persistent, with a finish that shows both fruit purity and savory depth.

Food Pairings
Pairs well with roasted lamb, Iberian pork, or grilled steak. Also excellent with manchego cheese or mushroom-based dishes.

Verdict
A superb Rioja — juicy, refined, and complex. The 2019 Aro is a treat that shows both immediate charm and long-term potential. A true collector’s Rioja with class and depth. 🍷

Did You Know?
The name “Aro” is a nod to the hoops (aros) that bind the staves of Rioja’s traditional oak barrels, symbolizing craftsmanship and unity.

Collector’s Rarity 📌
Produced in limited quantities, Aro is one of Rioja’s most sought-after wines — a modern icon that rivals Spain’s greatest reds. — 23 days ago

Alan Johnston

9.5

3.5. A fine rioja from Muga with a smooth complex blend of fruitiness, minerals and tannins. We enjoyed this wine with our meal - it tastes more expensive than it is. on sale for $17.49. Buy more of this. And a cute label as well. — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2020 vintage. Medium body. Pretty and with hella lanolin. Slightly less highbrow than chardonnay and clearly more refined than most Sauvignon Blancs. Keep an eye out as this is a winner. Just enuff acidity. Perfect for warmer Spring days and warmer Summer nights. 04.02.25. — 7 months ago

David Koenen

9.0

This is fruity, has a mineral backbone and the barrel aging adds a nice touch of vanilla. Fresh, ripe, razor sharp and creamy at the same time, with a nice zip. — 2 months ago

Andrea Watt

9.0

Oak, pepper, cherry, smoke, and plum. — 2 months ago

with Becky

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Another good visit I’ve had. It is adjacent to Lopez de Heredia. You can walk between in about a minute.

This is a good strand producer in Tempranillo from Rioja. Consistent good to very good quality yr in yr out.

The 2020 shows good quality but like always needs 8-10 years in bottle to show its beauty and elegance.

WS Grand Tour Las Vegas 2025 — 5 months ago

Jose Lorenzo

8.9

Great everyday — 9 months ago

Jody Wycech

9.3

Tasty, paired really nicely with red beans and rice. — 2 months ago

with Ethan, Peter and 1 other

Caleb Kneip

9.8

Outstanding.
Layers and layers; more time in oak has provided sublime boysenberry cassis and raspberry intermingled with clove and cinnamon and a distinct vanilla-coffee-cocoa aroma that is exquisite. 100% Banger of a wine. — 3 months ago

Suneal Vishnupad

9.6

Absolutely awesome. Very happy I let it age and it was in good condition. Complexity added from aging. — 5 months ago

with Kayla