Vinedos del Contino

Viñedos del Contino is a wine estate in Rioja Alavesa known for its ageworthy red wines based on Tempranillo, and often featuring Graciano. It was founded in 1973 as a partnership between the owners of Finca San Rafael in Alavesa, and a group of directors from CVNE. Since the end of 2013 the CVNE group has owned 95 percent of the company.

Along with Remelluri, Contino is regarded as a pioneer of single-vineyard wines and the château concept in the region, in contrast to the traditional system of wineries being supplied by network of small growers.

There are 62 hectares (153 acres) under vine in Laguardia, on pebble soils within a bend in the Ebro river, protected by the Cerro de la Mesa (Table Hill). Fruit is all harvested by hand. The estate combines a modern winery with a 16th-Century cellar for aging wines in optimum temperatures and humidity levels. The property on which the estate was founded dates back to this time; a Contino was an officer in charge of a corps of guards who protected the royal family.

The Reserva is the estate's bestseller; like the most expensive wine, Viña del Olivo, it is a blend of Tempranillo with Graciano. Proportions vary depending on the characteristics of each harvest.

The estate was one of the first in the region to produce a straight Graciano. This is a tricky variety to grow, and can be very austere and acidic when unripe, but vibrant and long-living in better years. A 100-percent Garnacha is a newer addition to the lineup.

The single white wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged in 350 to 500 liter casks (79 to 132 US Ggllons), with no malolactic fermentation. The blend is based on Viura with 20 percent Garnacha Blanca and 10 percent Malvasia.

All labels feature a portrait of Saint Gregory (Pope Gregory I), who keeps an eye on the estate in his capacity as patron saint of vineyards.