“Viña Real represents the tradition of the Rioja Alavesa, with a more fleshy, roundness and powerful profile.  This means, Viña Real is not the small brother of anyone. He is a big brother by himself.”  
- Luis Gutierrez, The Wine Advocate   

CVNE's Vina Real Gran Reserva is without question one of the very best value fine wine releases every year, and the new 2019 continues the streak. The 2019 is a rich and intense wine, brimming with bright fruit which seems to shine through the oak, which is very much in the background this year. Black olive and balsamic notes in the midpalate lead onto a finish full of fresh herbs, dark and red fruits and a distinct minerality. Whilst the 2018 last year was asking to be drunk now, the 2019 is more brooding, and will benefit from patience. The tannins are already soft and melting in the mouth, but there is also considerable structure which should see the wine age for many years - it is no secret that both the 1947 and 1959 vintages of Vina Real were awarded perfect 100 point scores on the Wine Advocate, and are still drinking phenomenally.

Vina Real Gran Reserva continues to fly largely under the radar, but it is very challenging to find a wine that offers this level of complexity, structure, and intensity, at under £150 per case. However, CVNE continues to produce this wine with absolutely no compromise, and, the 2019 is now the 5th vintage in a row to which they have added the word ‘Especial’ on the label, meaning that it is the Gran Reserva you would expect, with all of the same ageing, but from another truly remarkable vintage. In the case of the 2019, i would say this has produced the most serious of the last 5 Especial vintages and i would definitely recommend it for your cellar. 
 
This is unquestionably the perfect choice for those looking for a truly classic Rioja Gran Reserva that can rub shoulders with the best fine wines, but at a price that won't make you think twice about pulling the cork at anything other than a special occasion. 

Shipping in early 2027