Campos Reales Canfora Reserva Especial (2003)

This old cooperative of over 750 farmers is located in El Provencio in the winemaking region of La Mancha. Surrounded by abundant holm oaks and pine trees, the vineyards has clay and calcareous (lime) soil. With such special conditions and a very long tradition of winemaking history Campos Reales is truly a very high class wine producer. The grapes are from very old, famous and historic vineyards which survived phylloxera disease that destroyed Europe's Vines in the late 19 Century. The survival of the vines was due to the sandy soil hence giving the name pre-phylloxera or "pie franco". All these vines are 50–70 years old with a very small production quantity of grapes per vine giving extremely flavourful fruity wine. All the grapes are handpicked in September. Cooled maceration and temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by malolactic fermentation in American oak barrel. Ageing in new French barrel for 14 months. Clarification using natural egg whites. Bottle ageing 24 months before leaving the cellar.

Deep rich violet red. Bright and clean. Intense fragrant and expressive. Black fruits, aromatic herbs, soft toast and touch of spice. Excellent first taste, well balanced, firm tanning, full-bodied. Mature mixed fruits with hints of tobacco, pepper, vanilla and wood. Long lingering finish.

Wild meats, game birds, roasted red meats, casseroles and grilled beef and lamb. Rich sauce dishes. Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine, especially spicy food.

• Decanter World Wine Awards (UK) 2006 – Gold Medal