Contino Reserva
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed from 8 to 20 years after the vintage release, as it possesses the structure and acidity to age gracefully.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted lamb with rosemary, traditional Spanish tapas such as jamn Ibrico and aged Manchego cheese, or slow-cooked beef stews.
✨ Technical Specifications
Established in 1973 as a partnership between CVNE and the owners of the Laserna estate, Viedos del Contino pioneered the single-estate 'chteau' concept in Rioja. The estate's history is steeped in heritage; its name pays homage to the 'continos,' the elite royal guards who protected Spanish monarchs since the late 15th century. Situated in a sweeping bend of the Ebro River in Rioja Alavesa, the vineyards benefit from a protective microclimate and ancient alluvial soils. The Contino Reserva is typically crafted from a blend dominated by Tempranillo, complemented by Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha. Aged carefully in a combination of French and American oak barrels, this wine beautifully marries traditional Rioja complexity with modern precision, offering deep red fruit, balsamic undertones, and elegant, structured tannins.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1879 by brothers Raimundo and Eusebio Real de Asúa, the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE) is one of Rioja's foundational and most prestigious historic bodegas, headquartered in the iconic Barrio de la Estación in Haro, Spain. Still under the stewardship of the founding family's descendants, CVNE harmoniously bridges traditional winemaking heritage with pioneering technical innovation across its distinct estates and cellars. The estate is celebrated for crafting world-renowned, age-worthy wines characterized by elegance, structure, and balance, predominantly driven by Tempranillo and native Riojan varieties. Among its celebrated portfolio are legendary classic benchmarks such as Imperial, Viña Real, and the single-estate icon Viñedos del Contino.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo