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. — 7 days ago

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. — 2 months ago

Riccardo L.

9.0

Mmmmmmmmmm. Never disappoints. — 4 months ago

Peter Heyboer

9.3

Brought this back from Portugal in 2023 and finally drank it. Awesome wine even if it was maybe a little past its prime. Classic Vinho Verde citrus and floral nose and a dash of minerality. On the tongue it's missing that light effervescence I love but it still brings a lot of citrus and light fruit sweetness that balances the acidity. Would absolutely buy again if I can find it over here! — 7 days ago

with Matthew, Ethan and 2 others

Andrea Watt

9.0

Oak, pepper, cherry, smoke, and plum. — a month ago

with Becky

Edwin Lu

9.0

deep rich flavors with an subtle oaky vanilla flavor — 2 months ago

Jenn Ingle

9.0

Nose - Crayons (in a good way), Old wood barrels and Petrichor. Main tastes - Muted fruit flavors because it’s so soft and smooth on the tannins for the most part. Maybe a bit of crab apples from the acid. Really approachable food wine. I love Montepulcianos so I’m a bit bias here with my rating but overall it’s really nice. — 19 days 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. — a month ago

Brian Kostreba

9.1

I loved it would buy more when I find it. I would get into all the nuances of wine flavors that all the wine aficionado would say but hey just a serious good wine I’m not all the verbose. — 2 months ago

Ananda Aisola

9.0

Vanilla, smooth, med high alcohol, med dry, tannins, med acid, full body — 3 months ago