Bodegas Franco-Espanolas "ROYAL" Rioja Gran Reserva 2013

Is this the world's most underpriced wine? Definitely a top contender.

Not rated yet. Both 2011 and 2012 vintage received 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Bodegas Franco-Españolas was born in 1890 as the union between France and Spain at a peak moment in Rioja, when the French came to the region trying to replace their vineyards devastated by the phylloxera disease. It was the origin of the “fino wines of Rioja”.

In 2015 the winery celebrated its 125th anniversary and in 2016, Borja Eguizábal assumes management, giving way to the third generation of the Eguizábal family as owners of the winery. We met with Borja at the family's Ribera del Duero estate (Valparaiso) where we got an unexpected insight into the extraordinary history and future ambition of this important operation.

70% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo.

Ageing

The wine is aged in new (30%) and second–year medium–roasted white American (Ohio) and French oak barrels for 30 months, with decanting every 6 months to facilitate the natural filtering process. It then stays in the bottle for 36 months for refinement. 

Tasting

Ruby red in colour with russet hues. Complex in the nose, good intensity, balsamic, spicy, leathers, tobacco; all of this over a delightful candied fruit backdrop. A very enticing combination. In the mouth: elegant, tasty, highly aromatic, voluptuous tannins still present in the classical style and lasting through the aftertaste.