CVNE : Contino San Rafael Garnacha 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Contino San Rafael Garnacha 2022 from CVNE

Tasting

Appearance
Bright and of medium intensity, it reveals a hue ranging from ruby to light garnet, marked by a slight transparency.

Nose
Highly expressive, it opens with aromas of fresh red fruits (raspberry, wild strawberry, cherry) intertwined with floral notes of rose and violet. Subtle spicy touches (white pepper, anise) and mineral hints harmonise with a very discreet oakiness evoking cedar and sandalwood.

Palate
The attack is lively, juicy and carried by a beautiful freshness. Medium-bodied, the wine unfolds a silky texture supported by fine, polished tannins. One finds the brightness of red fruits and spices, extending towards a long, persistent and subtly saline finish.

Food and wine pairings
This red wine pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats, such as milk-fed lamb or pork chops. It also accompanies mild Iberian charcuterie, herbed poultry, Mediterranean dishes based on roasted vegetables, as well as hard or semi-hard cheeses of medium intensity very well.

Serving and cellaring
To fully appreciate this wine, serving at around 15 to 16°C is recommended, with decanting for 30 to 60 minutes in its youth. It offers cellaring potential allowing it to be enjoyed until around 2030.

The elegance of a great La Rioja wine crafted by CVNE

The estate
Founded in 1879 in the station district of Haro, the wine company CVNE is a historic and essential player in La Rioja. Still run by the founding family, today led by Victor Urrutia and his sister Maria, the estate relies on a vineyard of approximately 545 hectares. Recognised for its pioneering role, this iconic brand has skilfully combined tradition and innovation. It stands out for its strong environmental commitment and its model bringing together several estates with unique identities, thus contributing to the international reputation of the great Spanish wines.

The vineyard
The grapes come from Finca San Rafael, a single-block estate of 62 hectares located in Laserna, in Rioja Alavesa. This singular terroir, nestled in a bend of the Ebro, benefits from varied soils ranging from clay-limestone to alluvial and stony lands. The old vines used for this cuvée were planted between 1940 and 1980, naturally offering low yields and great aromatic concentration.

Winemaking and aging
After manual harvesting and a rigorous double sorting, the destemmed berries undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration in large French oak vats. Fermentation begins spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts. The vatting lasts about three weeks for gentle extraction. The wine is then aged for nearly ten months in a 2,000-litre foudre and 500-litre barrels, thus refining its structure without overshadowing the fruit.

Grape variety
100% Garnacha