1991 Vina Real Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
The 1991 Viña Real Gran Reserva was harvested in a year that saw the start of the Gulf War, the abolition of apartheid in South Africa, Yugoslavia's civil war and the death of Freddie Mercury. CVNE harvested 5. 5 million kilos of grapes during that vintage and Viña Real was fermented in cement vats in their winery at Elciego. The wine was bottled in June 1996. Classical and gastronomical, it’s very aromatic with plenty of forest floor, truffle and porcini aromas, with meaty aromas, hinting on leather. The palate is polished, with fully resolved tannins, a touch warmth, but really satisfying, open and approachable. The 1991 has developed beautifully, and this wine could have had about 20% Garnacha; during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s the percentage of Garnacha was even higher, up to 30-40% in some cases, and the white Viura was also part of the blend every year. This wine is now fully developed, with notes of mushrooms, cured meat and leather in a most classical way. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2020.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Official classification of the vintage was 'very good'. CVNE harvested 5.5 million kg of grapes, between 24 September and 29 October. The blend here could have some 20% Garnacha. Fermented in cement in Elciego. Bottled in June 1996. Lighter colour. The nose screams rioja, with some animal notes, mushroom, brick dust and paprika. Smoky. Warm mouth, polished, balanced, probably because of the Garnacha. Ready. A food wine. (LG)
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.