Founded in 1890 by a Bordeaux native, Bodegas Franco-Espaolas represents a unique moment in Rioja’s historyFrench winemaking expertise arriving to replant vineyards devastated by phylloxera. By 1970, the winery was wholly Spanish, yet the Bordeaux legacy lived in its classical approach. This Royal Reserva from that spectacular vintage embodies extended aging and wines that improve for decades. The year Rioja earned its official DO statuswinemakers like Franco-Espaolas proved Spanish wines could rival European greats.