2020 Vina Real Reserva
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Viña Real Reserva was cropped from a low-yielding year because of hail and abundant water. It's mostly Tempranillo with 10% other grapes—Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo—and matured in oak barrels for 18 months. Here, I notice more the ripeness in the year, more than in most wines from 2022, and it has some notes of cured meat and dry leaves and is a little more developed, with a rustic touch. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.57 and 5.5 grams of acidity. The tannins have grip but give it a slight earthiness. 180,000 bottles were filled in May 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Reserva Viña Real is 90% Tempranillo with 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano from Rioja Alavesa. This is slightly balsamic on the nose with dried flowers, cherry, pomegranate and hints of oak and spice. It's dry, juicy and medium-bodied on the tongue, balancing freshness with elegance before fine tannins frame a red fruit-tinged finish. The 2020 is a well-executed, classic Rioja.
About the producer
CVNE, or Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (the Northern Spanish Wine Company), is one of Rioja’s leading names. With its various brands – Cune, Viña Real, Contino and Imperial – CVNE produces both large volumes and high quality, with its Imperial Gran Reserva one of the region’s finest wines.