Rioja Vina Real Gran Reserva, Compañia Vinicola del Norte de España (CVNE) 2018

The classical red 2018 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial (this year, it has the word Especial on the label) was produced with grapes from their own vineyards in the villages of Laguardia and Labastida in search of a gastronomical wine that is supple and complex. In 2018, the wine has a little more acidity even if the grapes were picked between October 1 and 26. It’s mostly Tempranillo with 5% Graciano, moved by gravity. It matured in barrels for 24 months to qualify for the category. [...]. It’s serious and a little closed at first, nuanced and subtle. It closes the classical range at Viña Real where they have now added more modern wines, Bakeder and La Virgen. It has more finesse and might be a little lighter, with no exuberance. I sometimes like austerity… 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2021.

Viña Real’s Gran Reservas are slow-burn wines that taste good young but are best cellared for a few years. This is an old-vine cuvée of Tempranillo and 5% Graciano from the villages of Elciego, Labastida and Laguardia showing a winning combination of pomegranate and blackberry fruit, savoury tannins and a refreshing mineral core.

Bay leaf, quince, sandalwood, new leather, cassis and tapenade aromas with a floral touch. Intense and compact, but nothing heavy. Firm, structured tannins and a long, creamy finish extended by some wood spices. Drink from 2025