Contino 17 Barricas
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 8 to 20 years from the vintage release, as its structured tannins and vibrant acidity allow it to develop beautiful tertiary complexity over time.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Slow-roasted milk-fed lamb, grilled prime ribeye steak, or mature Manchego cheese.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Viñedos del Contino, established in 1973 as Rioja's first single-estate winery, is situated in a historic bend of the Ebro River in Rioja Alavesa. The estate's ancient manor house, dating back to the 16th century, overlooks stony, alluvial soils that yield grapes of exceptional concentration. '17 Barricas' represents a highly curated selection of exactly seventeen French oak barrels chosen by the winemaker for their outstanding harmony and expression. This limited-production red blend is typically dominated by Tempranillo and Graciano, showcasing a seamless fusion of dark fruit, mineral complexity, and refined spice born from the estate's unique microclimate.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asúa brothers in the historic Barrio de la Estación of Haro, Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE) is a cornerstone of Rioja winemaking. Still family-controlled today, the estate is celebrated for its harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and architectural innovation, featuring a legendary cellar designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel's studio. CVNE's philosophy centers on meticulous vineyard management across Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, producing elegant, structurally complex wines aged in fine oak casks. The winery is globally renowned for its iconic labels, including the historic Imperial Gran Reserva, the fruit-forward Viña Real, and the single-estate expression Contino, which collectively define the pinnacle of classic Spanish Tempranillo.