Contino Reserva
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed from 8 to 20 years after the vintage release, as it possesses the structure and acidity to age gracefully.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted lamb with rosemary, traditional Spanish tapas such as jamn Ibrico and aged Manchego cheese, or slow-cooked beef stews.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
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.
🍾 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.