Contino Rioja Graciano 2021

C.V.N.E.

Contino Rioja Graciano
2021

$135.00

* Retail price including taxes and service fees if applicable
Service fees
$ 0.00
Product code
15230466
Format
6 x 750ml
Listing type
Private import
Status
Unavailable
Type of product
Still wine
Licensee price
$113.00
Country
Spain
Regulated designation
Denominación de origen calificada (DOCa)
Region
La Rioja
Varietal(s)
Graciano 100 %
Alcohol percentage
13.5%
Colour
Red
Closure type
Cork
Producer's website

About this winery

Founded in 1879 by the brothers Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asua, the Compañia Vinicola del Norte de España is one of the oldest estates in La Rioja. C.V.N.E. is located in Haro, in the traditional wine trade district, next to the train station. In this period when transport was not very advanced, there was a definite advantage in locating your cellar very close to a train station! By 1900, this company had more than 80,000 bottles intended for prolonged aging, which was rare at that time...

See the C.V.N.E. detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

A 3.7 hectare clay-limestone terroir of San Gregorio Grande, planted in 1979 and 1989 (two zones). Very limited production of 5,000 bottles.

Production notes

Contino Graciano is made from hand-harvested grapes. Alcoholic fermentation in French oak barrels at moderate temperature for 24 months. Aging for 1 month in pure concrete vats.

Tasting notes

Intense cherry colored wine with garnet reflections. Complex aromas with notes of candied fruit, licorice, coffee and balsamic nuances. Silky tannins on the palate which culminate in a final persistence accompanied by a mineral side. Pairing with ratatouille and lamb chops with herbs.

Press reviews

James Suckling

- 96 points -

James Suckling, August 2024 (Vintage 2021)

A striking graciano that shows fresh blackberries, minerals, menthol, eucalyptus, cured meat, iron, basil, graphite and, most importantly, black peppercorns that grow on the nose. Full-bodied and intense but still fluid, with brightness and the structure of graciano, but there is nothing heavy. Refined, long and lively. Very delicate rendition, thanks to its light, careful extraction. This is a benchmark reference. Drink now or hold.

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Wine Advocate

- 95 points -

Luis Gutiérrez, February 2024 (Vintage 2021)

I loved the aromas of the varietal 2021 Graciano from the first time I put my nose in the glass. It was produced with grapes from their best plot—San Gregorio, planted in 1979—which delivered a wine with full ripeness (13.99% alcohol) but with extremely high acidity (8.3 grams!). It fermented in an oak vat, followed by malolactic in concrete where the wine rested for one month before being racked to foudres and barrels of different sizes where it completed two years before it was bottled. This is floral, aromatic, elegant, clean and complex, exuberant and powerful. But then it's only medium-bodied, with herbal freshness, abundant, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. It's austere and maybe a little harsh, but I love it! It should age nicely in bottle and stand up to all kinds of food. One of the finest years for Graciano as far as I can remember. 5,326 bottles were filled in December 2023.

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 Wine Enthusiast

- 94 points -

October 2024 (Vintage 2021)

Made with a variety that is usually relegated to a small portion of Tempranillo-based blends, this wine has aromas of brambly fruits of the wood, fennel pollen and butterscotch. It is smooth in the mouth, with feathery tannins and raspberry, pomegranate, eucalyptus, clove and dried thyme flavors. The satisfying finish offers a soft hint of saddle leather.

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