C.V.N.E.’s red wines begin with the 2008 Cune Crianza composed of 80% Tempranillo with the balance Garnacha and Mazuelo (Carinena). This medium ruby-colored offering offers up aromas of cedar, cherry blossom, spice box, black cherry and blackberry. In the glass spicy red fruits and a bit of structure emerge leading to a silky, easygoing finish. It is a good value and an attractive introduction to the merits of the traditional Rioja style. It will drink well for several more years. Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (C.V.N.E.) is known colloquially to most Spanish wine drinkers as Cune. The company was founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers and still remains in control of their direct descendants. In the 1920s ownership started Vina Real and in 2004 a new winery was built in Laguardia. In 1973 Contino was created to further the concept of the single estate winery and has since been one of the principal leaders in the resurrection of the nearly extinct Graciano grape. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin, www.europvin.com

This light, supple red offers crisp flavors of cherry, herb and smoke, with lively acidity and just the lightest touch of tannins. Drink now. 550,000 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add