Looking for a highly rated wine at a reasonable price? Please consider this Contino (one of our favourite and underrated Rioja producers) Rioja Gran Reserva.
Attractive cherry color, the nose is opulent, intense and very complex with predominant aromas of black and red fruits well integrated with toasted hints from the oak. On the palate, the wine is powerful, polished and well balanced with silky tannins which caress the mouth and are followed by a long finish.
Blend: Tempranillo: 70%, Graciano: 15%, Grenache: 12%, Viura: 3%
'A very balanced reserva with ultra fine tannins that are melted into the wine. Blueberry and light citrus undertones. Medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows light tar and spice in the aftertaste.' James Suckling 94 pts
'Deep violet. Primary black and blue fruit, potpourri, baking spice and vanilla qualities on the highly perfumed nose; a smoky mineral flourish adds urgency. Appealingly sweet, oak-spiced boysenberry, cassis and cherry cola flavors spread out steadily on the palate and show fine definition and back-end thrust. Closes impressively long and smooth, with rounded tannin's contributing shape and gentle grip. Drinking window: 2023 - 2033' Vinous 94 pts
'The more classical 2014 Gran Reserva was produced with a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Garnacha from a super selection of the grapes used for the Reserva. It fermented destemmed in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in 225-liter oak barrels, 70% of them French, the rest American, for 24 months. This shows abundant notes of spices, toast and smoke, dark chocolate and espresso coffee and ripe berries. It's still showing the impact of the élevage, but it will probably absorb it with time in bottle. The palate is powerful and reveals abundant tannins.' Wine Advocate 93 pts
Producer profile:
Contino is the first Rioja château founded in 1973 by CVNE. This 62-hectare property located in the Rioja Alavesa. The history of the property dates from the 16th century, and is reflected in its name. The “contino” was the officer in charge of a guard corps of a hundred soldiers who protected the royal family "de contino” (continuously) from the times of the Catholic Monarchs onwards.