Contino Vina del Olivo
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 8 to 25 years from the vintage release, as it possesses exceptional structure and aging potential.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted rack of lamb, grilled prime ribeye steak, and aged Manchego cheese.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Viñedos del Contino, established in 1973 by CVNE, revolutionized Rioja by introducing the single-estate château concept to the region. The crown jewel of this estate is the Viña del Olivo, named after an ancient, majestic olive tree estimated to be over 700 years old that stands sentinel in the heart of the vineyard. This wine is a masterful blend dominated by Tempranillo with a significant portion of Graciano, sourced from clay-limestone alluvial soils along a bend in the Ebro River in Rioja Alavesa. Fermented in large oak vats and aged in a selection of French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels, it offers a perfect marriage of modern concentration and traditional Rioja elegance, characterized by dark fruit, mineral undertones, and refined spice.
🍾 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.