CVNE or CUNE – Pronounced Coo NEEY is winemaking royalty in the region of Rioja. CVNE (Compagna Vinicola del Norte de Espana) is one of the most renowned and historic bodegas in all of Spain. Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo, the company has been an integral part of Rioja during its ascendance in the world of fine wine. They have been able to meld the traditional with the modern and are consistently looking to improve their vineyards and their wines.
In fact CVNE were the first producers in Rioja to produce a Crianza style wine, a wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which, is in oak. This is their biggest selling wine and offers incredible value. It is a modern and fresh take on the Tempranillo based wines of Spain.
All CVNE wines are Tempranillo based (85%) with the balance a blend of Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. These fill out the palate and add greater complexity and freshness.
The nose starts with notes of creamy oak which soon give way to aromas of ripe berries, blackcurrants and plums that are quite spicy and showy (revealing hints from both American and French oak). The palate is medium bodied, polished and soft, with light tannins and very well-integrated oak. It is easy to understand why this wine is so popular across the world. It combines Old World earthy goodness with New World-ish soft tannins and smooth texture. It is a seamless mid weight wine that offers the complexity and structure we love, but with the freshness and vitality that make you want to drink glass after glass.