2019 Real de Asua
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Tasting notes
The modern 2019 Real de Asúa has been produced since 2018 with grapes from a paraje in the village of Villalba called Carromaza (now mentioned on the label) on sandy, south-facing soils that were harvested between the 8th and 9th of October. 2019 was a low-yielding year with loose and small bunches that ripened thoroughly delivering wines that are balanced and have aging potential. It's 14.5% alcohol and has mellow acidity and good freshness and balance. It fermented in small oak vats with indigenous yeasts followed by malolactic in new French oak barrels and then matured in new and second use French barriques for 12 months. The wine is very impressive, showy, clean and harmonious, without any noticeable oak, juicy, harmonious, young, fresh and elegant. It has concentration, power and finesse. It has a new label and bottle and a much more modern image but with the essence form the past. The wine has improved a lot, and it has grip and very fine tannins. Very impressive. It has the naked essence of Rioja without the layers and layers of oak, now from a single vineyard where they want freshness and a lush but floral and delicate profile you have to drink effortlessly. Superb. 10,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2022.
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
Light and deft extraction, fine tannins that highlight the precision of the scultped raspberry and red cherry fruits. This is fairly savoury compared to many Rioja wines, fragrant with waves of raspberry leaf, rose petal, freshly cut herbs, liqourice bud, leather, clove spices and a mouthwatering finish. From this vintage, Real de Asúa has a new label, wax seal, Carromaza plot clearly stated. No longer seen as an experimental wine, flexing its own identity within the CVNE range, highlighting the potetential of this 2.37ha plot of 30 year old Tempranillo vines sat at a windy 550m altitude in Villalba. Give three to five years to fully soften into its structure. Again 12 rather than 18 months ageing in oak barrels, following on from the 2018, but here back to 100% new oak. 3.65ph. Not yet released.
A full-bodied, ripe and delicious red with firm, lightly chewy tannins. Lots of cherries, dried flowers, coconut and rosemary. Lavender and white roses, too. Firm and very well structured. Tight and fresh at the end. First year with single vineyard on the label. 100% tempranillo. Try this after 2025.
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.