Viña Real Gran Reserva, Rioja 2017

An exceptional Gran Reserva that punches above its weight

The Viña Real brand was launched in the 1920s by the famous CompañÃa VinÃcola del Norte de España (CVNE)
An old guard of Rioja and constantly innovating today, this Gran Reserva is a testament to their consistently-high standards
95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano, there is amazing red fruit concentration that is well-balanced with aged leather, mushroom and earth notes
Both intense and complex, this is a delight to drink now, but will only improve with some bottle-age
This goes down a treat with slow-roasted shoulder of lamb

Grape variety: Tempranillo (Aragonez)
Vintage: 2017
Type/Colour: Red
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle Size: 75cl
Group: Rioja
Suitable for Vegans: Yes
Suitable for Vegetarians: Yes

Bronze Medal Winner International Wine Challenge 2009

No examination of the old guard of Rioja would be complete without the inclusion of the CompañÃa VinÃcola del Norte de España, more commonly known as CVNE. Founded in 1879 by two brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo Real de AsÃºa, the firm has remained in the hands of their descendants, currently in the fifth generation. The wines of this venerable bodega are popular, both on the home market and abroad, although it should be stressed that this is no family resting on its laurels. CVNE has long been an innovator in Rioja, the family readily embracing advances such as estate-bottling and the extensive use of stainless steel, a material found in abundance in the three CVNE wineries. Eusebio and Raimundo established their new bodega near the railway station in Haro, where today many of the leading estates, such as Muga and Viña Tondonia, are to be found. CVNE maintains its presence in this historic part of town, but over the years the family have consolidated their position in Rioja with the development of two other winery sites; firstly the Viña Real site, an imposing, modern construction, and at the Contino estate, a traditional country house with 16th Century cellars. They also own sufficient vines to supply more than half of their needs, a remarkable level of vineyard ownership for Rioja.