une Gran Reserva is a classic, complex red wine from the Rioja region of Spain, produced by the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE). It is known for its long aging process, combining barrel and bottle maturation, which creates an elegant wine with silky tannins and a smooth finish.
Winemaking
- Producer:
- CVNE
- was founded in 1879 by two brothers and remains a family-owned operation. The winery is located in Haro, in the Rioja Alta subregion.
- Grape varieties: The blend typically consists of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo (also known as Cariñena).
- Aging requirements: The "Gran Reserva" designation means the wine has undergone extensive aging before release. A typical aging regimen includes:
- Barrel aging: 24 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels.
- Bottle aging: At least 36 months in the bottle before release.
Tasting notes
- Color: An intense dark cherry or ruby red with potential garnet hues from aging.
- Aroma: Complex and evolving, with ripe fruit notes (plum, cherry, blackberry) balanced by tertiary aromas from the aging process, such as spices, toffee, tobacco, roasted coffee, and balsamic notes.
- Palate: The palate is known for its elegance, with silky, fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity, and a smooth, long finish. Older vintages may display more velvety textures and complex layers.
Food pairing
This versatile red wine pairs well with many Mediterranean dishes. Recommended pairings include:
- Red meats
- Game dishes
- Aged cheeses
- Grilled vegetables