1973 Vina Real Gran Reserva
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To me, 1973 represents the last of the truly old-style, classical vintages of Rioja. Moreover, it was a very good vintage with exceptional wines produced especially at the La Rioja Alta winery, but the 1973 Viña Real Gran Reserva was not bad either! The Who released Quadrophenia, Aerosmith made their debut with their eponymous album and Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells became the first release on Richard Branson's newly launched Virgin label. The good old 70s...Not a bad crop of films either; Papillon, American Graffitti, The Sting, Last Tango in Paris, The Exorcist...Also the Sydney Opera House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II. Pablo Picasso, who was born in 1881, died on April 8th and Bruce Lee followed him shortly after. Richard Nixon was U.S. President, while the Soviet leader was Leonid Brezhnev. Chances are they went to see The Godfather that year. The 1973 Viña Real Gran Reserva was produced a long time ago, yes, and the wine is very pale and delicate in a slightly decadent style. It is ultra-drinkable, developing some pine needle aromas and fading in the glass. But drink soon. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2017.
Critic scores
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Jancis Robinson MW
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A very good vintage in general, for many the last of the great classical vintages of rioja, better than the initial assessment indicated. CVNE vinified 3.3 million litres that year. Slightly volatile (think varnish) and a little spirity. In the mouth it is polished, but shows the alcohol a little. A little light in the mouth. I've had fresher bottles of the 1973. (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.