Hallmark C.V.N.E. fruit shines through in this fine Reserva. Two years in American and French oak casks give greater complexity and smooth tannins along with enticing brambly and sweet spice aromas.

Intense ruby red, bright and deep in colour. Rich, deep aromas of bramble, red autumn fruit with a hint of balsamic and warm spices from fine oak. The palate is fine, complex and long, with balanced tannins and an excellent bright finish.

The harvest was one of the best in the last few years. The weather conditions were optimal during the vine cycle and there is excellent quality shown across the vineyards.

The grapes were hand picked from selected vineyards and, following destalking, they were fermented at controlled temperatures between 28° C and 30° C.Following a full malolactic fermentation to balance the acidity, and add extra roundness and softeness, the wine was matured for eighteen months in a mixture of French and American oak barrels, with rackings every six months. After bottling, the wine was cellared for a year before being released.

C.V.N.E., or to give it its full name, Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) was established on the 24th of March 1879 in Haro, Rioja. Set up by two brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asúa, their aim was to capitalise on the flourishing new trade in wine.

C.V.N.E. is based in Haro's traditional neighbourhood of the train station, in the heart of the Rioja wine region. Historically, some of the oldest wineries of Rioja Alta established themselves here in order to benefit from the ease of transport via rail to the port of Bilbao, the most efficient form of transport in those days.

By 1900, the winery had an extraordinary ageing capacity of 80,000 bottles, which was most unusual at the time, as most wineries sold their wines as soon as possible.

C.V.N.E. is still controlled by the direct descendants of the founding family. Now in its fifth generation, the company has been quoted on the Madrid stock exchange since 1997.

C.V.N.E. farms half of its grape crush. The remainder is purchased from long term growers. With three wineries in the region; Cune, Viña Real and Contino the winemakers have control over quality from vineyard to bottle.