The CVNE Contino Rioja Gran Reserva 2010 represents a pinnacle of traditional Rioja winemaking, sourced exclusively from the historic Finca Contino estate. Located in a distinctive horseshoe bend of the Ebro River in Rioja Alavesa, the vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate and diverse clay-limestone soils, contributing to the profound character of its fruit.
The 2010 vintage, widely lauded as one of the finest in recent decades for Rioja, provided optimal conditions for the primary Tempranillo grapes, complemented by judicious additions of Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha. This Gran Reserva undergoes an extended maturation regime, typically involving a minimum of two years in a combination of American and French oak barrels, followed by a further three years or more of bottle ageing in the Contino cellars. This meticulous process ensures a wine of exceptional structural integrity, aromatic complexity, and remarkable longevity, presented here in the age-enhancing 150cl magnum format.
Tasting notes
The 2010 Contino Gran Reserva presents a deep garnet hue, indicative of its age and concentration. The bouquet is a complex tapestry of tertiary aromas: dried red and black fruits intermingle with nuanced notes of aged leather, cigar box, balsamic reduction, and a delicate spice profile of vanilla and clove derived from its extensive oak maturation. On the palate, it is remarkably poised and elegant, with a full-bodied presence framed by refined, silky tannins and a persistent acidity that maintains freshness. Flavours of stewed plums, dried figs, and savoury umami notes lead to an exceptionally long, harmonious finish, promising further evolution in bottle.