This is a flagship Rioja from a single estate within CVNE, one of the producers that helped define a more site focused approach in the region. Contino was one of the first to introduce a "chateau" style in Rioja, meaning the wine is made entirely from vineyards surrounding the estate, which gives it a more consistent and defined identity. The 2011 vintage was warm and relatively dry, which shows in the wine’s ripeness and slightly broader feel, though it is balanced by the long ageing typical of a Gran Reserva. In this case, the wine spends several years in oak followed by extended bottle ageing, and notably, this vintage was released largely in Magnum and larger formats, allowing it to develop more slowly and evenly.
There is a clear sense of maturity from the outset, with the fruit no longer leading but sitting within a fully integrated structure. The style is not about immediacy, but about how everything has come together over time, giving a more settled and composed impression. As it moves across the palate, the wine holds a steady, continuous line, where structure, fruit, and secondary notes remain closely aligned. The oak is fully absorbed, contributing to depth without standing apart, and the overall flow feels calm and controlled rather than defined by stages. The texture reflects both the vintage and the format, with a smooth, velvety feel supported by a firm but integrated backbone, giving both weight and balance without heaviness.
Overall, this is a mature and complete Rioja, where extended ageing and large format have brought everything into a cohesive and refined expression, with a focus on harmony, depth, and long development.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Layered and developed, with red and black fruit, spice, and integrated oak, alongside hints of tobacco and balsamic.
Palate:
Smooth and structured, with ripe fruit and savoury notes moving together in a steady, controlled flow.
Finish:
Long and composed, with spice and dried fruit fading into a dry, balanced, and persistent close.
The bottle comes presented in a branded wood box.
