C.V.N.E.

The majority of the fruit for Viña Real comes from Rioja Alavesa, which is the only part of the denominación to have significant swathes of limestone in the soil. Symphonic and grandiose in its Gran Reserva manifestation, this wine is full of balsamic ripe fruit, outstanding balance and a resinous, resounding finish. 
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer

C.V.N.E. is still owned and run by the Real de Asúa family whose ancestors established it back in 1879. Its full name is Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España but it is more commonly known as ‘coonay’. The two different ranges, the Viña Real and Imperial, are rich, full-bodied Riojas, with the Reservas and Grand Reservas being some of the most long-lived in the region today.

Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (CVNE) was founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers and nearly 140 years later their descendants are still in charge of what is now a considerable operation.  In 1973 they created Contino, the first single-estate concept in the Rioja region, and the single vineyard Viña del Olivo is located in one of the best areas of Rioja near Logroño in La Rioja Alavesa. Hugging the banks of the river Ebro the vines surround a 1,000-year-old olive tree, hence its name, and the resulting wines are hugely impressive, sophisticated yet understated.

The 2008 is made up of 88 percent Tempranillo and 12 percent Graciano with ageing for 36 months in oak of various origins. The wine is subsequently rich and deep; however there is balance and harmony beneath the rippling musculature.

From the magnificent 2004 Contino Rioja Gran Reserva vintage, a rare parcel of magnums, kindly offered to BBR by Jesus Madrazo. Although still relatively youthful, every aspect of the wine betrays pedigree, from the rich and still somewhat foursquare nose all the way through to the seamlessly silky tannins, which enrobe the wine with an almost maternal indulgence. To be laid down for a special dinner party.
(Simon Field MW , BBR Buyer)