Contino Gran Reserva
Contino Gran Reserva is made from hand-selected grapes from the best micro-plots of the San Rafael estate, mainly Tempranillo from stony soils near the Ebro River. After fermentation in concrete tanks and aging for 24 months in French oak barrels, the wine from the 2017 vintage, marked by a frosty and cool year, stands out for its black fruit, floral and balsamic aromas, and a long, silky and balanced mouthfeel.
Characteristics of the vineyard
Grapes from our own vineyards, our Finca San Rafael. Selection of the best micro-plots of the estate. Plots with notable differences, not in terms of orientation, but in terms of soil characteristics. Always in search of the perfect connection between them, within a privileged environment, Viñedos del Contino.
The Tempranillo mainly comes from a stony soil near the Ebro River, which allows for slower ripening due to its own humidity.
Winemaking characteristics
Manual harvest in 15 kg boxes. Grapes are not only selected in the field, but also in the winery, with a selection table. After destemming, the grapes are fermented in concrete tanks at 26-28ºC. After fermentation, a post-fermentation maceration is carried out. Malolactic fermentation takes place in these same tanks. This is followed by racking to French oak casks (mixing new and used) where it will remain for 24 months.
Harvest data
2017 was a difficult vintage in Rioja, marked by the frost on the night of April 27. Fortunately the San Rafael estate was not affected. In fact we consider this vintage to be exceptional in terms of wine quality.
Cool year, with 7% less rainfall than in 2016.
Bud break took place on March 15, flowering on May 20 and the end of fruit set on June 14.
Harvest began on September 6, with the Tempranillo del Olivo, the Graciano harvest was 2 days later on September 8 and the Mazuela on September 22.
Tasting notes
Contino Gran Reserva 2017 is above all an excellent and harmonious wine.
Fragrant nose, richness of aromas, among which black fruits in perfect ripeness stand out, as well as floral and balsamic aromas that bring a lot of freshness. All in perfect balance with subtle spicy notes. The palate is long and silky, powerful and elegant, ample and silky, with great balance and surprising tannin quality. Leaving glimpses of the personal style that defines Contino: elegance and balance.
-
You might also like