Rioja Gran Reserva Blanco Corona, Compañia Vinicola del Norte de España (CVNE) 2017

The semi-sweet white 2017 Corona Gran Reserva was produced with Viura grapes with noble rot (botrytis cinerea) that were picked on December 4. It fermented in oak barrels, and the fermentation was stopped by cooling it down. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.34 and 7.3 grams of acidity and retained 40 grams of residual sugar, so it has a lot of freshness, less alcohol and a little more sugar. The year was quite challenging, and this has more heat, concentration and sweetness but still comes through as balanced. The nose has notes of honey and a smoky, spicy and earthy twist also found in the Monopole Gran Reserva (and some of the old wines), along with mushrooms and white truffles. Of course, this is still very young and doesn't have the complexity of ancient vintages. The palate is a little softer and mellower but keeping the poise. 1,150 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2024.