“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 2018 is no exception. Showing beautifully already with some immediate depth and structure, which quickly opens up to classic balsamic, bay leaf and herbal notes with juicy red fruits. Delicious now, and it will only soften and improve in the cellar, if you can resist it!

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, following the phenomenal trio of 2015, 2016 and 2017, the 2018 vintage makes the fourth 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 2018, this has produced a wine that not only possesses all of the traits of the best Vina Real Gran Reservas but is from a vintage that can truly be enjoyed immediately, without the cost or patience required for lengthy cellaring, but equally it can be left for 15 years or more.

CVNE, Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (the Northern Spanish Wine Company), was founded in 1879 in the town of Haro in Rioja. CVNE was founded by two brothers and today is still controlled by the direct descendants of the founding family. Since its inception, CVNE has been focused on the production and aging of wines and now comprises of four wineries: CVNE, Imperial, Viña Real and Contino
 
Launched in the 1920s, Viña Real became known for pioneering wines from the Rioja Alavesa. A careful balance between tradition and modernity has defined Viña Real’s ethos ever since. The Viña Real Gran Reserva is exceptional value for money, a high scoring wine which can age for decades but is ready drink on release. Luis Gutierrez of Wine Advocate scoring the 1959 vintage 100 points in a vertical tasting held in 2015 is a great example of the potential that Viña Real Gran Reserva has. Luis also recently awarded the 1947 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial a perfect 100 points in a recent tasting comparing Rioja and Bordeaux from 1947. Clearly this wine can age for a very long time!

Available to order. usually ready in 2-3 weeks