Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2019
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A classic Rioja Reserva blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, aged in oak. The 2019 vintage leans slightly riper and more concentrated than 2018, offering darker fruit and a touch more structure without sacrificing Valserrano’s signature elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, plum, and blackberry compote layered with vanilla, cocoa, sweet tobacco, and a hint of dried herbs. Subtle licorice and baking spice linger on the finish.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with polished tannins and more grip than the 2018. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the finish is smooth, long, and quietly complex.

Food Pairings
Lamb chops, Iberian pork, roasted mushrooms, aged Manchego, or paella with chorizo.

Verdict
A refined yet slightly richer expression of Valserrano Reserva. Dark fruit, subtle earth, and graceful spice come together with impressive balance and drinkability. Classic Rioja with modern finesse.

Did You Know?
The Valserrano estate, founded in 1880, is still family-run and among the pioneers of Rioja Alavesa. Higher elevation and limestone soils are key to the region’s lifted acidity and refined tannin profile. — 18 days ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Star bright yellow gold. Inviting nose of quince and white pepper. Medium full palate confirms the nose adding an earthy mineral (at once) note all supported by firm (medium plus) acidity. White rose(!) on the lengthy, palate continuing finish. This 50/50 blend of Gouvelo and Voisinho makes an excellent upper entrée into Portuguese whites; a category most have yet to explore. It's a great pair for roasted fowl or pork and of course most Iberian fare. Drink now through 2026. — 2 years ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on May 26, 2024 at Iberian Pig in Nashville with Jay; and again on September 22, 2025 at Jay’s house with Jay]

81% Cabernet Sauvignon; 14% Merlot; and 5% Petit Verdot. Blackberry and black plum fruit, with notes of pencil shavings, graphite, licorice, violets and cocoa. Silky wine. — 5 years ago

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. — 3 months ago

Konrad Ziegler

8.9

At the Iberian Pig in Decatur — 3 years ago

Philip Patston

9.6

Love it. But first a preamble.
Way back 25 years ago Spanish and Portuguese wines were an amazing bargain. They were the real deal old world wines. But then it changed and we started getting Iberian peninsula wines which were weird fruity new world things. So it was a thrill to find a wine all in Portuguese, not one designed for this market. Label not in English . The real thing. Blend of Tinto Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Jean and Alfrichiero. Earthy barnyard. Terroir. Superb. — 6 years ago

Bonnie Chu

8.9

Dry white port, brandy-esque. Up since 5am but when in Portugal, might as well do a port tasting at 4pm...with black Iberian 🐷 — 8 months ago

Byron Hewett

9.7

Another beauty. 45% Touriga Franca, 35% Touriga Nacional, the rest is Tinto Roriz and Tinto Cao. Powerful rich and delicious, but it seemed a bit lighter than the Unico and a lot lighter than the Pingus. Decanted 5 hours before serving. Some of the big guns from the Iberian Peninsula! — a year ago

Riccardo L.

9.0

Excellent. Impossible to pluck blind. Nicely balanced. Tastes Iberian. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Dark Ruby in colour. Aromas of cherry and raspberry (Tempranillo) with Plum and Spice (Touriga). On the palate Raspberry pie with spice. So well balanced with medium plus intensity and length. Soft resolved Tannins. Very impressive. As mentioned in other notes Steve Pannell is probably the master of alternative varieties in Australia. He has nailed this Tempranillo/Touriga blend. Will buy regularly. Tasted again 29 weeks later on 4th October 2020 with similar notes. I haven’t researched if Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional are common blend on the Iberian Peninsula but they do appear to be quite complimentary - like Cabernet Merlot and Cabernet Shiraz (works well in Australia). Medium bodied. Dropped a point to 94 points. — 6 years ago