The 1970 Franco Españolas Rioja Royal Reserva hails from one of Rioja’s most historic wineries. Founded in 1890 in Logroño, Spain, Bodegas Franco Españolas has long been celebrated for its classic Rioja style, combining elegance with tradition. The Royal Reserva is crafted from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Mazuelo grapes sourced from Rioja Alta, Alavesa, and Oriental, and aged meticulously in American and French oak barrels before long bottle maturation. The 1970 vintage, considered “very good” by Rioja’s regulatory council, has allowed this wine to reach full maturity, offering a rare glimpse into decades of Rioja winemaking expertise and the evolution of a carefully aged classic.

The wine reveals a garnet-to-amber hue and a complex bouquet of leather, dried red fruits, truffle, cedar, and subtle spices, all framed by silky, softened tannins. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious, layered experience, with refined depth and a long, elegant finish. Best served slightly below room temperature and gently decanted.