C.V.N.E., or to give it its full name, Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (TheNorthern Spanish Wine Company) was established on the 24th of March 1879 in Haro, Rioja. Set up by two brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asúa, their aim was to capitalize on the flourishing new trade in wine.
This wine is made from the top three vineyards in the Estate and is matured in French oak only. Highly aromatic on the nose with hints of red and black autumn fruits along with some toasty, spicy notes. Full and meaty on the palate, with great depth and a fine, long and complex finish. Great in Magnum size bottles.
C.V.N.E. is based in the traditional neighbourhood of the station, in the heart of the Rioja wine region. Historically, some of the oldest wineries of Rioja Alta established themselves here in order to benefit from the ease of transport via rail to the port of Bilbao, the most efficient form of transport in those days.By 1900, the winery had an extraordinary ageing capacity of 80,000 bottles, which was most unusual at the time, as most wineries sold their wines as soon as possible. C.V.N.E. is still controlled by the direct descendants of the founding family, now in its fifth generation, the company has been quoted on the Madrid stock exchange since 1997.
C.V.N.E. farms half of its grape crush. The remainder is purchased from long term growers from the Rioja Alta province.The red grape varieties planted are: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuela and Graciano.The white grape varieties planted are: Viura, Garnacha blanca (white) and Malvasía.C.V.N.E. has three wineries in Rioja - Cune, Viña Real and Contino.The original winery in Haro in Rioja Alta is still the home to all the Monopole, Cune and Imperial wines and is overseen by Chief Winemaker, Maria Larrea.Viña Real wines are produced at the ultra-modern winery in Rioja Alavesa by Eva de Benito.The single estate Contino wines are produced by Jesus Madrazo in Rioja Alavesa.
‘This is Old World at its zenith. Watch out New World” Michael Broadbent.