CVNE

CVNE – Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España – is a Rioja producer we rate very highly.  It is one of the oldest bodegas in Rioja, and owns some of the oldest vines in the region. The wines are excellent across the range – and also attractively priced. When it comes to value for money, there are very few fine wines that can rival the Riojas of CVNE.

Imperial Gran Reserva is the flagship wine. It is only made in the best vintages. The grapes come from the company’s top vineyards in Rioja Alta, some of which number among the oldest in Rioja. The grapes are always double sorted to ensure optimum results: first in the vineyard and then in the winery. The wine is aged for two years in a mixture of French and American oak before further maturation in bottle.

Vina Real is CVNE’s property in Rioja Alavesa. The grapes are grown on high altitude sites here, at 500-650m above sea level. Tempranillo predominates in the blend, and the wines are again aged in a mixture of French and American oak.

The value pick in CVNE‘s range is Contino. Made according to the same principles as the other wines, it is approachable earlier but still shows impressive concentration.