Viña Real 1978 Gran Reserva

Wine: Viña Real 1978 Gran Reserva

Winery: Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España - CVNE (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo.
ABV: 13%

Winemaking
The wine spent 12 months in vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before wood aging. It was subsequently matured for 36 months in semi-new 225-liter barriques (70% American oak, 30% French oak). Unfiltered. Depending on the vintage, it was aged in the bottle for 48 to 100 months in the winery’s subterranean cellars (calados) prior to its commercial release in the mid-1980s.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Garnet-ruby hue of medium depth; brilliant with reddish reflections and a developing orange-tinted rim.

 

Nose: Defined by exceptional smoothness—fragrant and enveloping. It is packed with aromas of aromatic coffee, toffee, chocolate liqueur, licorice twists, and orange peel, underpinned by a fine balsamic note reminiscent of "after-eight" mint. Ripe black fruit in its prime emerges, accompanied by dairy nuances, smoky hints, and noble wood. It shows remarkably few traditional oxidative aging sensations, leaning towards a more "modern" profile that stands apart from the historical Viña Real identity.

 

Palate: Broad and creamy on the palate with mature tannins and significant concentration. A high-quality sweetness is perfectly sustained by a sharp point of acidity. This 1978 is stylistically aligned with other late-70s CVNE releases, echoing the character of the '73 and '76 Imperial and Viña Real. It suggests a potential shift in personality, likely influenced by the drastic reduction in oak aging years and the absence of Garnacha in the final blend.

 

Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Score: 92