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CVNE Contino Reserva Rioja 2020
The Contino Reserva 2020 from CVNE is a proper Rioja — full of character, beautifully made, and seriously good value for money.
Made from 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and the rest a mix of... Garnacha and Mazuelo, it’s aged for two years in oak barrels (20% American, 80% French) and then further in bottle before release. The oak adds warmth and spice, but it’s all really well balanced.
It opens with bright red fruit – strawberry, raspberry, a touch of blueberry – with hints of vanilla, liquorice, and a subtle balsamic edge. On the palate it’s fresh, smooth, and elegant, with enough grip to stand up to food but soft enough to enjoy on its own. The finish is long and refined.
It’s incredibly versatile with food – great with roast lamb or grilled meats, rich pasta or pizza dishes, casseroles, stews, and mature cheeses.
We’ve had to edge the price up slightly to £21.75, but for a Reserva of this quality, it still punches well above its weight. It’s a wine I’ll be making room for in the cellar.
Format: 75cl £19.50 (Inc. UK Duty & VAT)
| Price(Inc. UK Duty & VAT) | Availability |
|---|---|
| £19.50 | Immediate |
CVNE, Gran Reserva Imperial, Rioja 2016 300cl
CVNE has been producing wine in Rioja since 1879 and remains one of the most respected traditional bodegas in the region. Based in Haro in Rioja Alta, the estate is known for wines that combine... classical Rioja character with remarkable ageing potential.
Imperial Gran Reserva is one of the flagship wines of the house and is only produced in the best vintages. The 2016 vintage is a blend of approximately 85% Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, sourced from mature vineyards in Rioja Alta. The wine is fermented in small oak vats before ageing for around two years in barrel followed by extended bottle maturation before release, a traditional approach that defines the Gran Reserva style.
The 2016 vintage in Rioja produced wines with excellent balance, freshness and structure, allowing the Imperial Gran Reserva to develop depth while retaining precision and finesse.
CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva 2016 tasting notes
CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva 2016 shows aromas of black cherry, blackberry and plum, layered with notes of dried spices, cedar, tobacco and subtle graphite.
On the palate the wine is structured yet refined, with finely textured tannins supporting concentrated dark fruit. The finish is long and complex, reflecting the classic elegance of Rioja Gran Reserva.
Critic scores
98 points, James Suckling
95 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
95+ points, John Gilman
James Suckling described the wine as one of the “greatest modern Gran Reservas”, highlighting its refined tannins and layered flavours.
Large format
This 300cl double magnum offers exceptional ageing potential. Rioja Gran Reserva wines are renowned for their ability to develop complexity over decades, and in large formats the wine matures more slowly, preserving freshness while allowing the savoury and spice driven character to unfold gradually.
Drinking window
2026 to 2045+
A superb large format of one of Rioja’s most classic Gran Reserva wines, ideal for collectors and long term cellaring.
Pack Size: 1x300cl£240 (In Bond)£303.43 (Inc. UK Duty & VAT)
| Duty Status | Price(In Bond) | Price(Inc. UK Duty & VAT) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Bond | £240 | £303.43 | Immediate |
| In Bond wines have had no UK Duty or VAT paid on them. If In Bond wines are purchased for delivery to a UK address, UK Duty and VAT are required to be paid before the delivery can take place. If In Bond wines are purchased for storage in a bonded warehouse or for export, no UK Duty or VAT will be payable. | |||
