Intro to Cune Monopole Clasico Blanco Rioja – This exciting re-introduction of a historical wine from CVNE’s past is a blend of Viura with a small percentage of Manzanilla Sherry, aged for 8 months in barrel. Full tasting note and wine making – After over 2 years in the making, CVNE introduces the ‘Monopole Clásico’, a re-make of the Monopole from the 1970s. This wine has been produced in collaboration with Maria Larrea and Ezequiel Garcia, CVNE’s winemaker from the 1950s to the 1970s. This exciting re-introduction of a historical wine from CVNE’s past is a blend of Viura with a small percentage of Manzanilla Sherry. Hand harvested in 20 kg cases at optimum ripeness. Gently pressed, the grapes are then transferred into stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Once this is completed, the wine will go with its lees into vats and botas of 300 lts and 500 lts that have been previously used by two, three or more wines. The wine ages in these recipients for around 8 months, with regular tastings. The uniqueness of this wine lies in the contribution of a small quantity of manzanilla, developed by the traditional method of biological crianza under “velo de flor”. The wines’ ageing contributes to its peculiar organoleptic characteristics, adding aromas of chamomile, dried fruits, and a long and persistent aftertaste. The Producer – 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. Drink with – This wine is a great match to grilled and roasted white meats, fish & shellfish, salads and picnics, grilled vegetables, egg dishes & paella.
