Wines Rioja Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (Cune) - Gran Reserva - 2017

Viniou Reviews

The 2017 Cune Gran Reserva from Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España is a distinguished red wine from the celebrated Rioja DO. This cuvée is typically composed mainly of Tempranillo, often blended with Graciano and Mazuelo to add structure and complexity. As a Gran Reserva, it is subject to lengthy ageing requirements: at least two years in oak barrels, followed by three years in bottle before release. The 2017 vintage enjoyed a warm, balanced growing season, allowing the fruit to develop exceptional ripeness and nuanced aromatics, while the extended maturation imparts refined tannins and intricate notes of spice, leather, tobacco, and dried fruits such as plum and fig. Expect the bouquet to offer a harmonious blend of red and black berries, gentle oak, and savoury undertones evolving beautifully in the glass.

Rioja, Spain’s most celebrated wine region, is located in the north of the country, benefiting from a convergence of continental and Atlantic climates. The region’s soils are predominantly calcareous clay and alluvial deposits, providing both drainage and mineral complexity to the grapes. Rioja’s winemaking tradition stretches back centuries, but it was the nineteenth-century embrace of French-influenced barrel-ageing that made its reds globally distinctive. The DO (Denominación de Origen) status guarantees strict production standards and a focus on quality, especially for Gran Reserva bottlings that symbolise Rioja’s commitment to ageworthy, elegant wines.

Given its depth and maturity, the 2017 Cune Gran Reserva pairs beautifully with classic Spanish dishes such as slow-cooked lamb, roasted suckling pig, or a rich oxtail stew (rabo de toro). It also makes a superb companion to mature Manchego cheese, wild mushroom risottos, or hearty grilled meats. The wine’s refined structure and savoury complexity will also highlight the flavours of Mediterranean-inspired dishes with herbs and garlic or even a traditional Riojan bean stew.

For optimal appreciation, decant the wine for an hour before serving to allow the nuanced aromas to unfold. Serve at 16-18°C to strike a perfect balance between freshness and expressive bouquet. This wine is also suitable for further cellaring if you wish to watch its bouquet continue to evolve.