CVNE : Cvne Reserva 2020

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Cvne Reserva 2020

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a garnet-red hue typical of La Rioja wines that have been aged in oak barrels.

Nose

The nose opens with fresh red-fruit aromas—ripe plums and cherries—alongside mineral notes and hints of licorice. With aeration, spicy nuances and subtle touches of tobacco leaf complete this complex bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this wine shows a medium-bodied structure with perfect balance. The attack reveals a juicy character with plum flavors, supported by fine, well-integrated tannins. The mid-palate feels round and harmonious, with aromas of ripe black fruit, fleshy notes and hints of garrigue. The oak is delicately integrated, bringing a smoky, toasty framework, while a thread of petrichor and damp tobacco adds depth. The finish is fairly long and tight, with slightly chalky tannins and an orange-peel acidity that provide freshness and persistence.

Food and wine pairings

The Cvne Reserva 2020 is an ideal match for roasted or braised red meats, especially Spanish-style lamb with red peppers, paprika and garlic. It also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pork, game and cured meats. Bold, aged cheeses make an excellent pairing as well. For lovers of contemporary cuisine, this wine harmonizes with modern Indian dishes and more elaborate fish preparations such as cod or hake served with creamy white beans.

Serving and cellaring

This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve through around 2034.

A classic, harmonious Rioja Reserva from CVNE

The estate

Founded in 1879 in Haro in La Rioja Alta by the brothers Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asúa, CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) remains one of Spain’s most prestigious wine houses. Still run by the founding family, the estate is now in the hands of the fifth generation, with Victor Urrutia as CEO and his sister María Urrutia Ybarra as Marketing Director. CVNE owns more than 600 hectares of vineyards across several Spanish appellations. From the outset, the House distinguished itself with numerous international awards and made history in 2013 by becoming the first Spanish wine to top Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list. A pioneer in sustainability, CVNE was the first winery in La Rioja to join the International Wineries for Climate Action and is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.

The vineyard

The grapes for the Cvne Reserva 2020 come from CVNE’s estate vineyards and selected parcels from partner growers, all located in La Rioja Alta. This western sub-region of La Rioja is characterized by higher elevations and soils of calcareous clay and alluvial deposits. The climate, shaped by Atlantic influence and continental conditions, creates marked day–night temperature swings, promoting naturally high acidity and elegant wines with excellent aging potential. The estate’s vineyards notably include the Caballeros, Santo Tomás and Sarnamoros parcels, located in the municipalities of Rodezno, Villalba and Haro.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage was marked by warm weather conditions that encouraged significant sugar accumulation in the grapes. Despite the heat, the wines retained good freshness and a satisfying balance. The Spanish wines from this vintage are approachable and enjoyable to drink relatively young, while still offering the structure needed for proper aging.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Cvne Reserva 2020 are harvested by hand and transported under refrigerated conditions to the winery. After rigorous sorting and destemming, the berries are placed in stainless-steel tanks for temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation. During this phase, various extraction techniques are used—pump-overs, rack-and-return and punch-downs—adapted to the fermentation’s progress. A long maceration of around 18 months in tank follows, during which malolactic fermentation takes place. The wine is then transferred to French oak barrels (some of them new) and American oak for 18 months of aging. After this period, the wine undergoes natural clarification before being bottled for additional bottle aging of at least 12 months in CVNE’s cellars prior to release.

Grape varieties

Tempranillo (85%)
Garnacha (10%)
Graciano (3%)
Mazuelo (2%)