Marqués de Valcarlos Gran Reserva 2018 is a classic red Navarra with the depth of aging you'd expect from a Spanish Gran Reserva. Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon form a solid base, after which a minimum of 18 months of aging in French and American oak provides spiciness, toast, vanilla, and extra length. This is a mature red wine with ripe fruit, soft oak notes, and a long, warm finish.
This Gran Reserva comes from D.O. Navarra, a versatile wine region in Northern Spain.
Location / Origin: Bodegas Valcarlos is located in Los Arcos, in Navarra, right on the route of the Camino de Santiago.
Region: D.O. Navarra consists of 5 different wine zones, giving the region a wide variety of landscapes, altitudes, and wine styles.
Climate & Influences: Navarra is situated between cooler influences from the north and drier, warmer influences towards the Ebro. This combination helps red grapes build ripeness, spiciness, and sufficient freshness.
The upbringing is focused on aging, spiciness, and a long finish.
Aging / Oak Maturation: What does Gran Reserva mean? Gran Reserva stands for a Spanish aging category where long maturation before sale is central. This wine ages for a minimum of 18 months in French and American oak barrels, beautifully intertwining notes of toast, vanilla, clove, and cinnamon with the ripe fruit.
This red Navarra wine combines the Spanish base of Tempranillo with the extra structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tempranillo – D.O. Navarra: Tempranillo gives this wine its ripe fruit, round entry, and warm Spanish spiciness.
Cabernet Sauvignon – D.O. Navarra: Cabernet Sauvignon adds color, grip, and length, giving the wine more structure and aging potential.
