Gran Viña Sol Etiqueta Verde 1971 Blanco Gran Reserva

Wine: Gran Viña Sol Etiqueta Verde 1971 Blanco Gran Reserva

Winery: Miguel Torres (Vilafranca del Penedés, Barcelona)
Appellation / Region: Penedès (No D.O. indication)
Varietals: 80% Parellada, 20% Sauvignon Blanc.
ABV: 12.3% 

Winemaking
Grapes sourced from a special selection of the oldest vines in a single estate vineyard. Fermentation was conducted in stainless steel vats under temperature control. The wine was subsequently aged for 6 months in new American and French oak barriques. Following racking, the élevage continued in second and third-use barrels until bottling at the end of 1973. Bottled unfiltered in a numbered limited production of 12,480 bottles (72 cl format). 

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Golden-yellow hue, remarkably clear for its age, with greenish and golden glints. Brilliant and limpid, showing no sediment.

 

Nose: Displays medium intensity with a slightly reductive character. It reveals notes of white fruit and pulp (custard apple, Galia melon, plums) alongside a delicate reductive profile of dried fruits, bitter almonds, and toasted nuances. A vegetal undertone of fennel, bay leaf, and sage is present. As it breathes, it evolves towards a more mature and creamy profile, featuring vanilla, candied fruit, dried apricots, and a high-quality, subtle smoky thread in the background.

 

Palate: Shows good volume with well-judged acidity. It is integrated, smooth, and light, characterized by ultra-ripe white fruit and spices. A rounded and elegant white that, despite not being originally designed for such extensive cellaring, has maintained its poise with great dignity. Recommended for immediate consumption rather than further aging.

 

Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Score: 90

 

The 1971 Vintage: Rated as "Good" (B) for white wines and "Very Good" (MB) for reds by the D.O. Penedès Regulatory Board.