Grape Variety
Tempranillo, Garnacha/Grenache , Graciano , Mazuelo
Tasting Notes
A floral nose with freshness and harmony with subtle spicy hints. The palate reveals ripe tannins and fruit, revealing the real and personal character that defines Contino: elegance and balance.
History
This 62 hectare estate is located in a bend in the River Ebro. Here, a particular microclimate gives a special character to the wine. The name Contino refers to the royal guard of 100 soldiers who continually, 'de contino', guarded the King and his family. One of their members, Don Pedro de Samaniego, was rewarded for his loyalty with the property, now home to Contino. In 1973, Contino established the concept of the 'Bordeaux Chateau' in Rioja, creating the first single estate Rioja.
Regional Information
Rioja lies in the North of Spain and is subdivided into 3 areas known as Rioja Alta, Alavesa and Baja. The finest grapes come from the regions known as Alta and Alavesa. Contino is located in Rioja Alavesa.
Vinification Details
This wine is produced from selected plots of the Contino Estate. The grapes are de-stalked and fermented in 16000L stainless steel vats at a temperature of 28-30ºC with a maceration time of 15-20 days prior to entering into the malolactic fermentation and then being transferred into a mixture of French and American oak barrels, where the wine will rest for two years. Once the wine is bottled, it will rest a further year in bottle prior to being released.
