2018 Vina Real Reserva Especial

The classical red 2018 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial (this year, it has the word Especial on the label) was produced with grapes from their own vineyards in the villages of Laguardia and Labastida in search of a gastronomical wine that is supple and complex. In 2018, the wine has a little more acidity even if the grapes were picked between October 1 and 26. It's mostly Tempranillo with 5% Graciano, moved by gravity. It matured in barrels for 24 months to qualify for the category. It achieved 13.9% alcohol, with a pH of 3.55 and 5.8 grams of acidity. It's serious and a little closed at first, nuanced and subtle. It closes the classical range at Viña Real where they have now added more modern wines, Bakeder and La Virgen. It has more finesse and might be a little lighter, with no exuberance. I sometimes like austerity... 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2021.