Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Aciditymedium
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oakbarrel aged

Drinking window

Best 5 to 25 years from vintage.
vintage5 yrs25 yrs27 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: cassis, cedar, tobacco, cocoa

Palate: dark cherry, graphite, fine tannin, long savoury core

First single-variety Cabernet Sauvignon labelled and bottled in Spain. Single-vineyard from the 1963-planted Vinya La Scala plot at Chateau Leon in Torrelavit.

What it pairs with

  • Aged ribeye steak Find aged ribeye steak on TableJourney →
    Marbled fat and the wine's firm tannin pull each other into balance.
  • Catalan estofat de bou Find catalan estofat de bou on TableJourney →
    Slow-braised beef stew echoes the wine's leather and dark-fruit register.
  • Aged Pyrenees cheese
    Sharp Catalan mountain cheese sharpens cassis and softens the tannin grip.
  • Braised lamb shoulder
    Long-cooked lamb sits perfectly with Bordeaux-style ageing.

History

First single-variety Cabernet Sauvignon labelled and bottled in Spain. Founder Jean Leon planted the original Vinya La Scala plot at Torrelavit in 1963 and served the 1969 first vintage at his Hollywood restaurant. President Ronald Reagan served the 1975 vintage at his 1981 inauguration dinner.

  1. 1963: Vinya La Scala Cabernet plot planted at Torrelavit
  2. 1969: First Vinya La Scala vintage released, first single-variety Cabernet labelled and bottled in Spain
  3. 1981: 1975 vintage served at the Ronald Reagan inauguration dinner
  4. 1995: Familia Torres acquires Jean Leon

Facts

Producer
Jean Leon · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)
Classification
DO Penedes
Oak
Long ageing in French oak barriques followed by extended bottle ageing
ABV
14.0%
Price
EUR 70 to 110 at retail
Drinking window
5-25 from vintage
First vintage
1969
Organic
CCPAE
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Vinya La Scala Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

What does Vinya La Scala Cabernet taste like?

Cassis, cedar, tobacco and cocoa on the nose; dark cherry, graphite, fine tannin and a long savoury core on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannin and a long finish.

When should I drink Vinya La Scala Cabernet?

Drink 5 to 25 years from vintage. Young vintages need 60 to 90 minutes of decanting; library bottles benefit from upright rest and gentle pour.

Is Vinya La Scala Cabernet vegan?

Yes. Jean Leon, owned by Familia Torres since 1995, uses vegan fining on its flagship reds.

What food pairs with Vinya La Scala Cabernet?

Aged ribeye steak and Catalan estofat de bou are the canonical pairings; the firm tannin handles marbled fat and slow-braised beef. Aged Pyrenees cheese and braised lamb shoulder are equally strong.

Where is Vinya La Scala Cabernet made?

From the 1963-planted Vinya La Scala single-vineyard plot at Chateau Leon in Torrelavit, Penedes.

Tags

cabernet sauvignon cellar worthy dry firm tannin full body iconic medium acid mood contemplative mood elegant occasion celebration occasion cellar occasion special old vines old world organic pairs with aged cheese pairs with game pairs with red meat price premium single vineyard still red vegan

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