3 bottle Gift Box Corral Rioja Gran Reserva 1973

Historical background
In an unsteady world, the Corral family raised funds to build a new winery and choose a site next to the ancient pilgrimage route of ‘St. James’ Way’ at Navarrete in Rioja Alta. Political unrest in Spain dominated the headlines. 1973 was also the year of the global oil crisis, ‘Watergate’, US troops withdrew from Vietnam, the Sydney Opera house opened and music legends Pink Floyd released ‘Dark Side of the Moon’.

Tasting notes
As with many wines of this age, faded brick red in colour. When initially opened it gives little sign of its maturity on the nose. Within a few minutes the aromas open and over a short time develop a range of aromatics including, tobacco, stewed fruits, and late summer berries. The tannins are now very light, a medium length of flavour teases with an almost balsamic acidity has hints of dried fruits and leather. This rare and delicate Gran Reserva still captivates.

Rating
A vintage officially rated by the Consejo Regulador Rioja as ‘Good’. Described by Decanter Magazine as ‘a very mixed year. A few producers made good wines’, with 10% of total production becoming Gran Reserva.

Service and food pairing
Allow the wine to stand upright for several hours. Carefully open at time of serving it is better not to decant Rioja of this age. Pour carefully as the bottle will contain sediments. A perfect partner to slow roasted pork, venison or baked field mushrooms.