What is a reserve wine?
A reserve wine is a category of high-quality wines that have been aged for a longer period in oak barrels and in bottles before being released. AtVinícola Real , we understand that the term "reserve" is generally regulated and specifies a minimum aging period, which varies by country and wine-producing region.
In the case of wines from Spain , in this case in Rioja, where the denomination is well known, the requirements for a reserve red wine are:
- Minimum aging : 36 months (3 years) in total, of which at least 12 months must be in oak barrels, and the rest in bottles.
The aging process gives the wine greater complexity, smoothness, and more integrated aromas. Reserve wines tend to be well-structured, ideal for pairing with more elaborate dishes.
Wines Reserva Vinícola Real 200 Monges
The Real-200 Monges Winery is famous for producing highly prestigious wines in the La Rioja region , and some of its most iconic wines include 200 Monges Reserva red, white and rosé .
Wines that stand out for being an exceptional expression of Rioja's winemaking tradition and its artisanal process.
Characteristics of the 200 Monges Reserva Tinto
- Grape varieties : It is made with the main native grape varieties of La Rioja, such as Tempranillo (the most common), Garnacha , and Graciano . These grapes contribute different characteristics to the wine: Tempranillo gives it body and structure, Garnacha gives it red fruits, and Graciano adds freshness and acidity.
- Aging : This wine has been pumped over three times a day and clarified with periodic racking. Aged for a minimum of 20 months in new French oak barrels, of various origins and American , it remains in the tank for a period of time until its subsequent bottling, where it will remain, depending on the vintage, at least 16 months in our bottlers before being marketed.
- Tasting notes : “Medium-high cherry color. Aromas of red and black berries, with notes of vanilla, eucalyptus, coffee, and mocha. Silky, smooth, and balanced on the palate. Elegant fruit notes, with lively citrus touches of blood orange, lending it expressiveness and freshness. Served in an open glass or decanted, it displays great complexity of aromas and flavors.”
- Pairing : This reserve wine is ideal with roasted red meat dishes, large game, stews, cured cheeses, and Iberian ham. It can also be enjoyed on its own, as a meditative wine.
200 Monges Reserva Tinto is a wine that perfectly reflects the tradition and care that the Vinícola Real-200 Monges winery puts into its long-aging production processes, always striving for excellence.
Characteristics of the 200 Monges Reserva Blanco
200 Monges Reserva Blanco is an oenological gem within the range of wines from the Bodega Vinícola Real-200 Monges , a winery in La Rioja recognized for its dedication to quality and the production of unique wines.
Although reserve white wines are less common than reds in this region, the pursuit of excellence has led Vinícola Real-200 Monges to create this white wine, which they call "white with the soul of a red."
A showcase of the potential of Rioja's long-aged whites, highly prized for their complexity and elegance.
- Grape varieties : This wine is made primarily from native white grapes from La Rioja, such as Viura , which provides freshness and acidity, and Malvasía , which contributes body and floral aromas.
- Tasting notes : “Bright yellow color, oral aroma, white fruit, and fresh lees. The palate is complex, citric, spicy, oily, persistent, and saline, with good acidity.”
- Pairing : 200 Monges Reserva Blanco is a versatile wine for gastronomy. It pairs well with fatty fish such as salmon or turbot, grilled seafood, dishes with creamy sauces, poultry, seafood rice dishes, or even semi-cured cheeses.
200 Monges Reserva Blanco is an exceptional example of the potential of barrel-aged white wines from La Rioja, combining freshness, structure, and complexity in perfect balance.
Characteristics of the 200 Monges Reserva Rosado
200 Monges Reserva Rosado is another outstanding wine from the Real-200 Monges Winery , which follows the line of quality and exclusivity that characterizes this Rioja winery.
Reserve rosé wines are even rarer than whites and reds, especially with extended aging, but this rosé represents a sophisticated and elegant version of what a long-aged rosé can offer .
It is a wine that defies common expectations of rosés, showing complexity, structure, and remarkable aging potential.
- Grape varieties : This high-end rosé is made from a blend of Viura and Garnacha grapes and a small percentage of other varieties (Tempranillo, Calagraño, etc.)
- Aging : After crushing the grapes, the paste was transferred to the press under an inert atmosphere, where it macerated for 24 hours. After this time, the unpressed free-run juice was bled into a stainless steel tank, where it underwent cold settling. The clean must was then transferred to another tank, where the whole, undestemmed red Garnacha was added. Fermentation took place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. Fermentation took place for 10 days in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. The free-run wine was then bled, transferred to barrels, and aged there for 20 months.
- Tasting notes : “Color: onion skin with bronze hues. Aromas: subtle notes of wood, toast, forest fruits, stone fruit, and aromatic herbs from the scrubland (chamomile, thyme). Palate: elegant, fresh, sweet, very fruity, and flavorful.”
- Pairing : Due to its complexity and structure, this rosé can be paired with more substantial dishes than typical light rosés. It's ideal with seafood rice dishes , paellas , salads with Iberian ham , fatty fish (such as tuna or salmon), and even poultry or white meat . It's also an excellent choice with mushroom-based dishes or semi-cured cheeses.
200 Monges Reserva Rosado is a unique wine within the Rioja rosé scene, showcasing a sophisticated side of this style, with the structure and depth one would expect from a red.
It's perfect for those looking for a rosé wine with the capacity to evolve and a more complex and refined profile.
