Viña Del Cura Gran Reserva 2018
Full-bodied red wine · Barón de Ley
Vintage: 2018
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
Barón de Ley
Country
Spain
Vintage
2018
Region & Appellation
Rioja, DOCa Rioja
Grape Varieties
Tempranillo with traditional Rioja blending grapes such as Graciano and Mazuelo
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby red with a developing garnet rim, showing clear medium-plus viscosity and elegant slow legs
Aroma Profile
Complex bouquet featuring ripe red berries, dried cherries, sweet vanilla, roasted coffee beans, leather, and subtle tertiary notes of tobacco and forest floor
Tasting Notes
A harmonious and mature palate offering an initial wave of velvety red fruit that transitions into complex secondary flavors of spice, oak, and tobacco, finishing with remarkable length, elegance, and integration
Flavor Profile
Ripe strawberry, dried fig, vanilla bean, clove, cedarwood, and a distinct earthy minerality that lingers on the finish
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a silken, polished texture, smooth mouthfeel, and excellent weight and concentration derived from extended aging
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-high, refreshing acidity balancing a smooth framework of fine-grained, fully resolved tannins
Sweetness Level
Dry
Alcohol Content
14 percent ABV
Aging & Oak
Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 24 months, followed by extensive bottle aging prior to commercial release
Food Pairings
Roasted lamb, slow-braised beef short ribs, cured Spanish jamón, and aged Manchego cheese
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in a large Bordeaux glass, decanted for 30 to 45 minutes prior to serving
Price Range
15 to 25 USD
Quality Assessment
95 points, awarded Gold at the International Wine Challenge, representing exceptional value for a classic Gran Reserva Rioja
Production Methods
Traditional Rioja vinification with temperature-controlled fermentation, extended maceration, and rigorous oak aging regimen
Terroir
Continental and Mediterranean influenced climate with limestone and alluvial soils providing structure and elegance
History & Heritage
Barón de Ley was founded in 1985 as a pioneering single-estate vineyard project in Rioja, combining historical winemaking traditions with modern estate-grown concepts
Interesting Facts
The Viña Del Cura brand honors historical vineyard holdings, and the 2018 vintage received high critical acclaim, including 95 points at the International Wine Challenge
Cellaring Potential
Drinking exceptionally well now through 2030, offering immediate pleasure while retaining enough structure for medium-term cellaring
Similar Wines
Classic Rioja Gran Reservas such as La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 or Viña Tondonia