CVNE : Contino Gran Reserva 2012

Tasting characteristics and tips for Contino Gran Reserva 2012 by CVNE

Tasting

Appearance
The wine shows a deep cherry hue with garnet highlights.

Nose
The nose reveals remarkable complexity, with aromas of black and red fruit seamlessly integrated with toasty notes. Hints of black tea, cinnamon, sweet spices and tobacco also emerge, lifted by subtle floral touches.

Palate
On the palate, this wine is powerful and perfectly balanced. Silky tannins caress the palate while freshness supports a lovely depth of fruit. The finish lingers elegantly with spicy notes.

Food and wine pairings

This Contino Gran Reserva 2012 is an ideal match for grilled or roasted red meats, herb-crusted lamb, game, as well as aged cheeses. It also pairs beautifully with Spanish specialties such as Iberian ham or slow-cooked dishes featuring chorizo.

Serving and cellaring

Contino Gran Reserva 2012 can be enjoyed now or cellared until around 2032. It is best served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

An exceptional Rioja Gran Reserva

The estate

Founded in 1879 by brothers Raimundo and Eusebio Real de Asúa, the family landmark CVNE now runs eight bodegas, including the prestigious Contino estate. Founded in 1973, it was the first estate to introduce this « château » concept in La Rioja, showcasing a superb single-block vineyard. Spanning more than 62 hectares in Laserna, Contino brings together different soil types, elevations and grape varieties characteristic of this renowned region, giving its wines remarkable harmony and finesse.

The vineyard

Contino’s vineyard enjoys a privileged setting along a bend in the Ebro River, at an elevation of around four hundred meters. The plots, primarily south-facing, are sheltered by Cerro de la Mesa, which creates a favorable microclimate. The alluvial soils are made up of pebbles, clay and sand. The vines used to produce the Reserva are between twenty-five and sixty years old, with some parcels dating back to the 1930s. This diversity of terroirs allows for a complex, nuanced expression of Rioja Alavesa.

The vintage

The year 2012 was marked by warm, dry conditions that produced grapes of exceptional quality. Despite the drought, the vines maintained a remarkable balance between concentration and freshness. The clarity of varietal character came through with precision, revealing pure notes of plum and raspberry.

Winemaking and aging

Contino Gran Reserva 2012 was vinified using a parcel-by-parcel approach that respects the terroir. After destemming, fermentation took place in concrete tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel. Aging then continued for nearly three years in used French and American oak barrels. Bottling took place in July 2015, three years after the harvest.

Grape varieties

Tempranillo (70 %), Graciano (15 %), Garnacha (12 %), Viura (3 %)