CVNE Vina Real Gran Reserva 2017

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. CVNE stands for the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, a leading Rioja producer that was founded back in 1879 in Haro by two brothers. Still run by their direct descendants to this day, their Vina Real winery in Rioja Alavesa is known for its fruit-forward house style backed up by a well-built structure that helps their wines evolve beautifully for decades in the cellar. Grapes for their noble Vina Real Gran Reserva are sourced from estate vineyards in San Ginés and Castejones plus additional grapes from Laguardia and Elceco. These are small plots at 500-650 metres above sea level with a mix of calcareous and sandy soils which particularly suits the Tempranillo grape. Once in the winery the grapes ferment in temperature-controlled tanks using wild yeasts followed by ageing in new oak barrels for 24 months. In the glass you’ll find an enticing bouquet of rich mocha, leather, and cigar box spice mingling with seductive crushed cassis, dark plum, and plenty of dark cherries. There’s a firm structure with smooth tannins reinforcing a medium body and a touch of refreshing acidity on the long finish. This is a powerful wine that’s ideal to serve with hearty red meat dishes or to cellar for a few more years if desired.

Price: £33.70 from 8wines UK