CVNE Cune Vina Real Reserva DOCa 2018
(Rioja Alavesa, Spain) - [WE 94] [JS 94] [WA 93+] [JD 92]

About the Winery:
CVNE (Compañia Vinicola del Norte de España) is one of the most renowned and historic bodegas in all of Spain. Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asúa brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo, the company has been an integral part of the Rioja region's ascendance in the world of fine wine.

With their combination of traditional roots and innovative vision, CVNE has been one of Rioja's most reliable sources for high quality wine. The company is still run by descendants of the Real de Asúa brothers, now represented by the fifth generation with current CEO Victor Urrutia Ybarra.

About the Wine:
In 1920 the first Viña Real wines were launched. These wines were produced from grapes grown around Elciego, in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa province. These vineyards, to this day are still controlled by Viña Real and continue to border the ‘Camino Real’ or ‘Royal Drive’; hence the origin of the Viña Real name. The Viña Real wines are modern in structure, balanced and elegant, with a potential for very long ageing in bottle, this last being the main characteristic of the Rioja Alavesa province. With its perfect blend of Cvne’s more than 125 years of tradition and expertise and the most innovative winemaking methods, Viña Real has established itself at the forefront of the wine industry.

Viña Real Reserva is made mainly from grapes from Rioja Alavesa vineyards. The grapes come primarily from the towns of Laguardia and Elciego. Neighbouring municipalities have been involved in the production of this wine for several decades. The plots are small and sometimes terraced, featuring over 30-year old head-trained and unirrigated vines. The soils are mostly calcareous, poor in organic matter, with smaller yields and varying aspects.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This deeply hued wine offers a bouquet of dark plum, black currant and aniseed. It is spicy at first sip, with flavors of clove, anisette, blackberry and cassis. Polished tannins make their presence known and then drift off into a cherry and violet finish." – Mike DiSimone (Mar 2023)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Interesting plum, smoke, forest floor and oyster shell aromas. Lead pencil. Medium-bodied with subtle notes of matchstick, sandalwood and fresh berries. Minerally. Juicy and savory." (Aug 2023)

93+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"The young and lively 2018 Viña Real Reserva showcases the style of a cooler year with contained ripeness and Viña Real character. It's a gastronomical wine with very good freshness and red rather than black fruit, sweet spices and even a touch of blood orange peel. It's tasty, juicy and easy to drink, with a medium body and integrated oak. They might have used more French oak in the 2018, as they are renewing their barrels." - Luis Gutierrez (Jul 2022)

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Quite soft and generous, the tannins in the 2018 Vina Real Reserva are well-managed. The mix of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano, like in the Crianza, show medium-bodied balance, high-toned red fruit, and acidity, with a floral nose of violet. The finish grips and speaks to further aging 7-10 years. (Drink between 2025-2035)" - Virginia Boone (Jul 2025)