Vina Real Gran Reserva/2013

Blend

85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano

Geographical Attributes

Hailed as the star red variety in Spain’s most celebrated wine region, Tempranillo from Rioja, or simply labeled, “Rioja,” produces elegant wines with complex notes of red and black fruit, crushed rock, leather, toast and tobacco, whose best examples are fully capable of decades of improvement in the cellar. Rioja wines are typically a blend of fruit from its three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental, although specific sub-region (zonas), village (municipios) and vineyard (viñedo singular) wines can now be labeled. Rioja Alta and Alavesa, at the highest elevations, are considered to be the source of the brightest, most elegant fruit, while grapes from the warmer and drier, Rioja Oriental, produce wines with deep color, great body and richness.

Vintner Notes

Intense cherry color. In the nose, great aromatic richness in intensity and complexity. It mantains a perfect balance between the aromas of tempranillo, such as the mature wild fruits and licorice, with those from the graciano, which gives a mineral touch, it all complemented with the roasted and balsamic aromas from the barrel aging. Excellent entrance in the mouth, round and well structured, with a good assembly between wood and youth which provides amplitude and elegance. It is a great wine with typical characteristics of the region. It is perfect for having it alone or meat, fatty fishes, and cheeses.

Ratings

Robert Parker 92.The Gran Reserva from Viña Real is also from the wet, cool and challenging 2013 vintage, so I tasted the 2013 Viña Real Gran Reserva next to the Cune Gran Reserva from the same vintage. This classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano matured in barrel for 24 months. This is a redder style of Viña Real, a little lighter, less concentrated and more aerial, with a cereal-like twist and a medium-bodied palate with very fine tannins. Good for food. Wine Enthusiast 90.Dried plum and cherry aromas include spice and mulchy notes. This is yet another 2013 Rioja that's got issues—which doesn't mean this isn't without its charms. A tannic palate is raw and gritty but built to last. Cherry and red berry flavors finish short. James Suckling 92.A delicious red now with wet earth, spice and ash aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. A nice wine from a difficult vintage.