Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the 2017 Cune Crianza (Rioja, Spain) – $16.99, regularly $20.99).
The history of Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España began back in 1879 (making them one of the oldest wineries in Spain) at this winery in the famous Barrio de la Estación train station in the town of Haro. Over more than 140 years, it has continued to grow around the Aldea del Vino (Wine Village), a sunny courtyard flanked by unique stone buildings with ceramic tile roofs, which has become the central hub of CVNE.
The first wine produced by CVNE took the name of the company’s initials. However, a simple and fortunate spelling error, confusing the V with a U, led to the creation of the now iconic Cune brand, now one of the leading wineries on the national market. The winery expanded its facilities in 2019, coinciding with its 140th anniversary and marking its continued commitment to producing the finest quality white, rosé and its various levels of red wines ranging from Crianzas to Gran Reserva’s.
The 2017 Crianza is light/medium bodied in style, it has fine purity. This mostly Tempranillo (85%) based red offers berries, tobacco and spice. Not a jam bomb, it finishes with licorice, smoke and a touch of orange peel. This is a fine everyday drinking wine to have with dinner. Well-priced and meant for earlier consumption. Pair with Mediterranean fare.
2017 Cune Crianza (Rioja, Spain) – $16.99 (regularly $20.99)