Overview
This 2017 Viña Real Especial Gran Reserva represents the pinnacle of traditional Rioja craftsmanship, offering a masterful equilibrium between fruit expression and oxidative sophistication. The wine demonstrates the harmonious marriage of Tempranillo's generous red fruit with Graciano's structural elegance and spicy complexity, all framed by exemplary oak integration. Now entering its optimal drinking window, it presents immediate accessibility while retaining the architectural integrity to evolve gracefully for several more years. A compelling testament to C.V.N.E.'s legacy, this wine exemplifies the timeless appeal of classically styled Gran Reserva Rioja.
Appearance
The wine presents with crystal-clear brilliance and a garnet hue that has begun to amber at the edge, consistent with its Gran Reserva classification and six years of age. The depth of color suggests significant extraction from the Tempranillo and Graciano skins, while the clarity indicates meticulous fining and filtration. This appearance signals a wine that has gracefully transitioned from youth into mature complexity.
Nose
The bouquet emerges with immediate sophistication, revealing layers of preserved red fruits intertwined with noble oak-derived spices. Initial aeration releases intense aromas of cherry and wild strawberry, gradually unfolding to expose vanilla and cedar from extended barrel maturation. With further exposure, tertiary complexities surface—saddle leather, roasted coffee beans, and dark chocolate—creating an evocative tapestry of classical Rioja character. Subtle floral undertones of violet provide an elegant lift, while background notes of walnut and smoky spice add savory intrigue. The overall impression is harmonious and complex, bridging primary fruit vitality with the developed patina of age.
Intensity: Pronounced | Condition: Clean, expressive
Primary Aromas
Secondary Aromas
Tertiary Aromas
Palate
Flavours: Red cherry, strawberry compote, vanilla, cedar, leather, cinnamon, coffee, dark chocolate, walnut
Finish: Long and complex, persisting with notes of spice, leather, and bitter chocolate for over 45 seconds
Quality: Outstanding
Structure
Terroir
Viña Real Especial Gran Reserva originates from select old-vine parcels in Rioja Alavesa, specifically around the village of Laguardia and the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria. These vineyards sit at elevations between 400 and 600 meters above sea level, where the combination of clay-calcareous soils and Atlantic-influenced microclimates creates ideal conditions for Tempranillo. The high altitude ensures significant diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity and aromatic complexity while allowing full phenolic ripeness. The proximity to the Cantabrian Mountains provides shelter from harsh northern winds while funneling cool breezes that moderate the heat of the Ebro Valley. This terroir typically yields wines of elegant structure, pronounced minerality, and the capacity for extended aging that defines traditional Gran Reserva style.
Geology
The clay-calcareous soils provide excellent water retention during dry summer months, reducing hydric stress and promoting steady ripening. The high limestone content contributes to the wine's notable acidity and mineral backbone, while iron-rich clays add structure and color stability to the Tempranillo and Graciano blend.
Climate
Diurnal Range: Temperature variations of 15-20°C (27-36°F) between day and night during the growing season, with daytime highs reaching 28-32°C and nighttime lows dropping to 12-16°C
Vinification
Traditional Rioja Gran Reserva production with temperature-controlled fermentation and extended maceration, followed by minimum 24 months aging in oak barrels and additional bottle aging
Fermentation occurs in stainless steel with gentle extraction to preserve elegance; the wine ages in a combination of American oak (traditional) and French oak (20-30%), with racking every six months to clarify and oxygenate naturally. The 2017 vintage includes approximately 10% Graciano co-fermented or blended with Tempranillo to enhance acidity and aromatic complexity.
C.V.N.E. maintains a classical approach emphasizing terroir expression and longevity over immediate gratification, balancing traditional Rioja craftsmanship with modern precision to create wines capable of evolving for decades
Winery History
Founded: 1879
Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (C.V.N.E.) was established in Haro by the Real de Asúa brothers, quickly becoming one of Rioja's most prestigious bodegas. The Viña Real brand was developed to showcase the distinct character of Rioja Alavesa, with the 'Especial' designation representing their pinnacle Gran Reserva from exceptional vintages.
Winemaker: María Larrea (Technical Director and Head Winemaker)
C.V.N.E. adheres to a philosophy of 'classicism with precision,' respecting traditional Rioja typicity while employing rigorous vineyard selection and gentle winemaking to ensure each wine expresses its origin and vintage character authentically.
Food Pairings
Vegetarian & Vegan
- Grilled portobello mushrooms stuffed with caramelized shallots and thyme, finished with aged manchego (or cashew cream for vegan)
- Smoked eggplant baba ganoush with toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses, served with grilled flatbread
- Wild mushroom and farro risotto with black truffle oil and nutritional yeast
- Piquillo peppers stuffed with lentils, pine nuts, and smoked paprika, baked in tomato sofrito
- Charred cauliflower steaks with romesco sauce and crispy capers
- Tempeh 'al pastor' with guajillo chile marinade, grilled pineapple, and cilantro
- Aged cashew cheese with quince paste and marcona almonds
- Hearty chickpea and spinach stew with saffron and roasted red peppers
Classic Pairings
- Cordero asado (roast lamb shoulder) with rosemary and garlic, the classic Rioja pairing
- Grilled chuletón de buey (bone-in ribeye) with smoked sea salt
- Pato confitado (confit duck leg) with cherry reduction
- Jamón ibérico de bellota with crusty bread and tomato rubbed pan con tomate
- Braised beef short ribs with porcini mushrooms and Rioja reduction
- Grilled quail stuffed with wild rice and dried figs
- Secreto ibérico (pork shoulder steak) with chimichurri
- Aged Manchego curado (12+ months) with membrillo and Marcona almonds
Serving Suggestions
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