CVNE, Compañía Vinícola del Norte del España (the Northern Spanish Wine Company), was established in 1879 in the town of Haro in Rioja. Founded by two brothers it is still run by their direct descendants today. CVNE now comprises four wineries: CVNE, Imperial, Viña Real and Contino. Launched in 1920, Viña Real became known for pioneering wines from Rioja Alavesa – the smallest and highest-elevation of Rioja’s three sub-regions. A careful balance between tradition and modernity has defined Viña Real’s ethos for more than a century. Grapes are sourced from small parcels of bush vines of more than 35 years old, at between 500 and 650m altitude, on predominantly chalky clay soils.
The Viña Real Gran Reserva has always been exceptional value for money and is a firm favourite of the team at Bordeaux Index – described by our Sales Director as “a serious wine”. It can age for decades and yet is gorgeously ready to drink on release. Receiving an impressive 95 points from Luis Gutiérrez of The Wine Advocate, the 2016 vintage has achieved the highest score for the Gran Reserva from Gutiérrez since the 1966 vintage. In 2015, Gutiérrez awarded the 1959 vintage 100 points, which serves as a perfect example of the incredible ageing potential of Viña Real Gran Reserva.
The “Especial” designation is only bestowed on Viña Real Gran Reservas made in remarkable vintages, rather than any difference in the vineyards or winery, and the 2016 clearly deserves this distinction.
