Club Corner
October 2025 Rosé Club
BODEGAS MUGA This month, we’re taking a slightly different approach by spotlighting a single bottle from one exceptional producer. The focus this month will be on the esteemed Spanish winery Bodegas Muga, one of the most well regarded producers in Rioja. While the Muga family had been associated with viticulture in northwestern Rioja dating as far back as the 16th century, it wasn’t until 1932 that Isaac Muga and his wife Aurora Caño, reportedly a great wine taster who was able to identify different plots of land and the villages by taste, opened their own cellar. They met while working at La Rioja Alta S.A. where Isaac’s father worked as cellar master. Originally starting as negociants under the name Claretes Muga (Rioja Clarete was the name of the traditional rosé of the region) in the city of Haro, they bought wine from wineries and vineyards to blend and age with a focus on making rosé and young red wines for the first thirty years of the company. It wasn’t until the 1960s and the move to their current cellars in El Barrio de la Estación that the family shifted their focus from bulk wine to Reservas and Gran Reservas under the watch of the 2nd generation, brothers Manuel and Isacín. The winery has gained world renown while remaining family-owned, with Manuel's children Manu, Juan, Eduardo, and Ana in charge of sales, management, and communication, while their cousins oversee viticulture and winemaking with Jorge focused on reds while Isaac focused on whites and rosés. Being a 100% family business has allowed them to make long- term decisions and make significant investments in old vineyards. Bodegas Muga stands as one of the most traditional wineries in the world, where every stage of winemaking still takes place in oak barrels and vats. The winery employs a dedicated team solely for barrel management, carrying out racking by gravity and inspecting wines for sediment by candlelight. Every barrel and vat is crafted on-site by Muga’s own cooperage team—making it the only winery in Spain with its own master cooper. The master cooper’s son also works at the estate and is currently training to follow in his father’s footsteps. Each year, the Muga family travels to France and other regions to personally select oak trees, which are later fashioned into staves and seasoned for several years at the winery’s facilities. Flor de Muga is a higher-tier, single-vineyard wine that differs from Muga's "regular" wines through its use of premium fruit from older vines, a more meticulous winemaking process, and longer aging. While standard Muga wines are a blend of various plots, Flor de Muga is made from a very specific, strict selection of grapes from high-altitude old vines, resulting in a more complex, elegant, and refined wine. Think Pink! Justin Malesheetz-Wine Buyer 2024 Bodegas Muga Flor de Muga Rosato Region/Country of Origin: El Barrio de la Estación, Rioja, ES About the Vineyards: The family owns and cultivates a 400 hectare holding of vineyards, primarily located in three quality subzones of Rioja — the foothills of the Montes Obarenes, the Sonsierra Riojana, and the Alta Najerilla in Rioja Alta. The grapes used for this wine come from bush vines planted between 1927 and 1947 at high elevation in the Yalde and Alto Najerilla Valleys that are cultivated using sustainable viticulture practices. About the Winemaking: After closely monitoring the ripening process, the optimal harvest time is selected to maintain the grapes’ acidity and fresh fruit character. The grapes (100% Garnacha) are handpicked and transported to the winery in small, refrigerated crates to preserve their full aromatic potential. This rosé is made from free-run juice, the first wine to come out of the tank after fermentation with little or no pressure from the press. Following a very short maceration, fermentation is carried out with 100% ambient yeast in small wooden casks and a variety of large wooden vats with each plot fermenting separately. The wine is then aged on the lees for four months before bottling and release. Tasting Notes: A pale, almost clear salmon in the glass with a bright nose of tangerine, mineral, grapefruit and green strawberry. Medium bodied with crystalline laser like acidity and a tangy, salted grapefruit, strawberry, and red cherry palate with a long mineral and saline finish. Winemaker: Isaac Muga Price: $39.99 btl /$239.94 a 6-pack Suggested Food Pairing: Grilled watermelon and feta salad, arroz con pollo
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June '24 Wine of the Month Club
Catalonia Spain The wine region of Catalonia is located in the northeast of Spain, south of the eastern Pyrenees, bordering France and along the Mediterranean coast. The region has almost 600 km of coastline, being strongly influenced by the maritime climate. The majority of vineyards in Catalonia are located in the south of Barcelona in areas that cover the coastal plain and hills to the west. Catalan wines, much like the culture of its people, exhibit a distinctiveness that sets them apart from those produced in the rest of Spain, contrasting with the Castilian, Galician, or Andalusian counterparts. In fact, during the autumn of 2014, a majority of Catalan voters expressed their support for secession from Spain through straw-poll ballots. Following this, separatist candidates triumphed in the regional elections a year later. Although the outcome of Catalan independence remains uncertain, the provinces of Barcelona, Tarragona, Lleida, and Girona are presently still part of Spain. Catalonia boasts ten designated wine regions, predominantly focusing on grape varieties that thrive in the Mediterranean climate. Among the red grape varieties, Garnacha and Carignan (also known as Cariñena or Samsó) take precedence, while the white grape varieties include Garnacha Blanca and Xarel-lo. Throughout Catalonia, one can also find plantations of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Trepat, which are complemented by the white varieties Parellada and Macabeo (known as Viura in Rioja), often utilized in the production of Cava, Spain's renowned sparkling wine. Catalan wines are known for their robust body and high alcohol content, attributes attributed to both the grape varieties employed and the warm climatic conditions prevalent within the region. Moreover, the finest wines of Catalonia offer an enticing minerality derived from vineyards sown in granite, chalk, and cracked slate soils. Stretching west from the Mediterranean toward inland hills and mountains, Penedès is ground zero for sparkling wine production. If you’ve ever enjoyed a glass of Cava, chances are it came from Penedès, which accounts for around 95% of the world’s Cava production. But it’s not all bubbles, as Penedès has a small contingent of still-wine producers as well. Having enjoyed a tasty still varietal Xarel-lo (the most widely planted variety) I can attest that it is indeed possible to get a still wine from the area. Other good still-wine bets include Chardonnay, Muscat, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo. Penedès has also been the standard bearer when it comes to advancement and innovation as it was here that stainless steel and cold fermentation were first used. Montsant is home to old vine Garnacha and Carignan. The region wraps around the smaller Priorat and shares much in common with its more famous neighbor, including vines planted at high elevation in similar soils and climate. The good news is folks are not as knowledgeable about Monsant, so wines come at more modest prices. Some refer to the wines of the region as “poor man’s Priorat” which seriously undermines how great these wines can be. In addition to Garnacha and Carignan, Syrah and Garnacha Blanca also play an important role in the wines of the region. Like Priorat, the wines can be bold with high levels of alcohol, but can also yield refined and mineral-driven wines when made from fruit grown in high-elevation, stony soils. It may live in Priorat’s shadow, but during a recent tasting that featured both Montsant and Priorat wines, my vote went to the Montsant wines. Salud! Carrie Upson- General Manager and Wine Buyer 2022 Huguet de Can Feixes Blanc Selecció Region / Country of Origin: Cataluña, D.O. Penedes/Corpinnat, Spain About the vineyards: Estate vineyards in foothills of upper Pènedes region, Alt Pènedes, D.O. Pènedes, Cataluña at an altitude of 1400 feet. 100% organic – CCPAE (Consell Català de la Producció Agrària Ecològica), sustainable agriculture, 100% estate grown. One of 9 members of Corpinnat “born in the heart of the Penedes.” About the winemaking: Hand harvested with careful berry selection in vineyard and at sorting table • Gentle pneumatic pressing, natural settling • Fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks • Aged on lees in tank until bottling in February 2023. 40% Parellada, 29% Macabeo, 18% Xarel-lo, 8% Chardonnay, 5% Malvasia de Sitges. Tasting Notes: Fresh, fruity and floral aromas. Citrus notes and fullness complimented by stony minerality on the palate and crisp acidity. A young, dry white wine made from a careful selection of the native grape varietals grown at Can Feixes. “Aromas of nectarine, ginger and honeysuckle waft from the glass. This fully textured white is bright from the first sip and has flavors of pineapple, passion fruit and rose that evaporate into a vivid finish.” 92 Points Wine Enthusiast Winemaker: Josep Maria Huguet Price: $23.99 bottle/ $259.09 case Suggested Food Pairing: Paella, Romaine with garlic lemon anchovy dressing, Garlic shrimp linguine, Tortilla de patata 2020 Josep Grau Viticultor Efecte Volador Montsant Region / Country of Origin: Cataluña, D.O. Montsant, Spain About the Winery: “In Priorat region, we found the inspiration to get started in wine, first observing and then, in 2003, purchasing the first vineyard in the village of Capçanes, in DO Montsant.” They were attracted by the diversity of soils and terroirs in Montsant and their potential to make different wines. Gradually they were incorporating vineyards that they acquired from winegrowers who no longer wanted to farm their vines, usually old Garnacha and Cariñena plots. They also maintain close ties with growers who are involved in the business and share Josep Grau’s philosophy. About the winemaking: Hand harvested • Fermented in 1700 liter concrete vats using only indigenous yeasts at low temperature to protect fruit • Aged in concrete vats 6 months. 80% Garnacha 20% Cariñena Tasting Notes: Soaring with aromas of red berries and macerated cherries, a thrilling expression of Garnacha and Cariñena that personifies its name, “The feeling of flying.” The fruit pops with structure on a lively mouthfeel, with subtle tannin and nuances of rosemary, violets, and tar. Winemaker: Josep Grau Price: $23.99 bottle/ $259.09 case Suggested Food Pairings: Cassoulet, Duck confit, Spanish style white bean and sausage soup, Pontevedra style Spanish Chicken
Learn moreApril 2024 Rosé Club
Spain holds the rank of the third largest wine producer globally, following Italy and France. The country devotes a significant amount of land to vineyards, with over one million acres dedicated to wine production. Spain boasts 60 officially recognized wine regions, known as Denominaciones de Origen (D.O.), which operate similarly to France's appellations, enforcing specific laws to ensure the quality of wines produced in each region. Spain consists of 17 autonomous regions, and this month's featured wines originate from Navarra, home to the famous Pamplona and the running of the bulls, as well as Rioja, a region steeped in history encompassing a massive 161000 acres of land. The Rioja wine region is located in northern Spain, primarily within the autonomous community of La Rioja but also extending into parts of Navarre and the Basque Country. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, with the Ebro River flowing through the region. Rioja has a unique climate influenced by both Atlantic and Mediterranean weather patterns. The region experiences hot summers and relatively mild winters, with variations in microclimates across its three subregions. The diverse terroir includes a mix of soils such as clay, limestone, and alluvial deposits, contributing to the different wine styles produced here. Many wineries in Rioja combine modern winemaking practices with respect for age-old traditions, resulting in a diverse range of high-quality wines. While Rioja is primarily known for its red and white wines, the production of rosé wine in the region has gained popularity in recent years. Rosé wines from Rioja, known as "Rosado" in Spanish, offer a unique expression of the region's winemaking prowess and terroir. The Navarra D.O., situated to the east of Rioja, represents the Basque region. Wine cultivation in Navarra dates back to the Roman era in the first century A.D. However, the region's reputation for winemaking truly flourished during the late Middle Ages. Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, a medieval pilgrimage route experiencing a recent surge in popularity, began praising the exceptional quality of wines encountered while passing through the Kingdom of Navarra. Additionally, the Navarra throne was occupied by a series of French monarchs during this time, leading to a three-century cultural renaissance that is still evident today in the region's late Romanesque and high Gothic architectural treasures. Moreover, a lingering French influence can be observed in the local sensibilities surrounding food and wine. The region had a reputation for its celebrated rosés made from the native Garnacha Tinta grape even before D.O. Navarra was established in 1933. Navarra rosé wines are known for their versatility and food-friendliness and often exhibit a balance between fruitiness, acidity, and minerality. This makes them suitable for various occasions and culinary pairings. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing apéritif or paired with Mediterranean cuisine, Navarra rosé wines offer a delightful drinking experience. Think Pink, Carrie Upson General Manager Maximo Abete “Casalasierra” Rosé 2021 Region/Country of Origin: Navarra, Spain About the Vintage: Vintage marked by the big frost in april, which affected a quarter of our vineyard and the poor fruit set of the Garnacha variety. It results in a yield 40% lower than the average. Warm and very dry summer season benefitted from cool nights which helped keep balance in the fruit. Rain at the beginning of September delayed the starting of the harvest and adding to cool temperatures made a slow and balanced maturation. Tasty and concentrated wines with fresh fruit and low pHs. Feeling of a great vintage. About the Winemaking: Gentle de-stemming and cold skin contact for 12 hours. Free run juice to obtain the must without using pressure (bleeding method). Fermentation without skins at low temperature in concrete vat during 19 days. Bottled in November 2021 Tasting Notes: An intense bright pink color with purple glints. Very pronounced nose with red berry fruits (strawberry, raspberry), candy fruits and herbal base. Fresh attack, very refreshing body with a good acidity and balanced lingering finish full of fruity aromas. Good balance between acidity and fruitiness. Winemakers: Yoanna and Maria Abete Price per bottle / Price per case: $19.99 / $205.09 Suggested Food Pairing: With everything; Navarra vegetables, white meats, grilled meats, rice, pasta, pizza. Ostatu Rioja Rosato 2022 Region/Country of Origin: Rioja, Spain About the Winery: The secret lies in the high-altitude, bush-trained vineyards of indigenous tempranillo, garnacha, and viura vines in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. Theirs is a singular mountain rosé produced from some of Ostatu’s oldest and highest-elevation vineyards in the village of Samaniego: La Paul, Valdepedro, and Carrera at 600m to 650m. Samaniego is located directly at the convergence of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean climatic influences, which mold the character of the vintages. This unique soil and climate also lend a certain austerity and structure to Ostatu wines, which differentiates them from the Rioja wines of other subzones. Ostatu is pure Alavesa mountain wine, born of the tension and energy of an extreme climate. About the Winemaking: Grapes are farmed organically, and only native yeasts are utilized to ferment in stainless steel tanks, yielding a light, refreshing rosé from Rioja with substance, as well as charm. After a manual harvest, the grapes are destemmed and gently pressed before undergoing a short maceration. The wine then ferments with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures (15°C to 16°C) on the lees for 44 days. Afterward, the wine is cold stabilized and gently filtered through diatomaceous earth before bottling. 63% Tempranillo / 35% Garnacha / 2% Viura. Certified Organic by ENEEK (Basque Organic Regulatory Council). Tasting Notes: Intense aroma of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, currants), some citrus skin (orange peel) and fine minerality. Very fresh and balanced on the palate with good acidity. Finishes with a great balance of flavors, fruitiness and warmth. Winemaker: Gonzalo Sáenz de Samaniego Price per bottle / Price per case: $19.99/ $215.89 case Suggested Food Pairing: Patatas Bravas Jamin Iberico Gambas al Ajillo Salmon salad
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