CVNE - Vinedos del Contino - "Contino" Rioja Rosado, 2017
Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (CVNE) is one of the oldest wine businesses in Rioja. Its history traces back to 1879, when the first CVNE winery was founded in Haro, the heart of the Rioja region.
Today CVNE owns 545 hectares of vineyards in the two subregions of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Among them, there is Viñedos del Contino, a 62 hectares estate located in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. The Contino property dates back to the 16th century. At that time the “contino” was the officer in charge of a troop of guards whose sole purpose was to protect the royal family “de contino” (meaning “continuously”).
Contino Rosado Rioja is a single vineyard rosé. It was aged for 9 months in casks before being released.
In the glass, the wine has a light ruby and coral colour. On the nose, it’s medium to pronounced intensity. Elegant fruity notes mark the attack, such as strawberry, cranberry, pink grapefruit and blood orange. Hints of sage and thyme are in the background. A subtle toastiness progressively emerges to frame the entire aromatic profile.
On the palate, this rosé is medium to full in body and surprisingly high in acidity. Juicy and fresh on the palate, it also has substance. Zesty pink grapefruit notes in the attack. Followed by blood orange, red fruit and a touch of toast and charred wood. The spiciness really unfolds in the mid-palate. The finish (medium+ to long) perfectly harmonises fruit, herbal and floral nuances with subtle toasty accents. Precise, balanced, characterful and classy.