The 2010 Blanco is a blend of 70% Viura, 20% white Grenache and 10% from 70-year-old Malvasia vines, raised for seven months in oak with no malolactic fermentation. It has a very attractive bouquet with scents of honeysuckle and white peach. The palate is fresh and spicy on the entry, with a slight oxidative note lending edge and tension and a hint of volatility giving it a kick on the finish. Drink now-2015. I was intrigued to taste the first ever release from the estate.
CVNE was founded by the Real de Asua brothers in 1879 and has remained family-owned since that time. The historic bodega is located in Haro, and there are three companies under the umbrella: CVNE, Contino and Vina Real. These wines were tasted on two occasions in London, revisiting recent vintages plus older ones to compare. The Vino del Olivo is fermented in large oak vats and undergoes malolactic in new French barrels, where it is matured for 17 months. The Graciano is limited to around 6,000 bottles per vintage and is aged for 15 months in new oak (90% French and 10% Hungarian) and then 12 months in bottle.
Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com