The Contino Gran Reserva is the most elegant wine produced at the winery. It stays true to the essence of classic Rioja wines while constantly striving to evolve its style.

A selection of the best soils from the vineyards is used to produce the Contino Reserva to offer the best possible wine in terms of acidity, concentration and maturity. The Tempranillo grapes are harvested primarily from an area of stony soil near the Ebro River, resulting in slower ageing due to the humidity of the ground.

Manual harvesting in 15 kg boxes. The grapes are carefully picked in the vineyard before being subjected to a meticulous selection process at the winery. After de-stemming, the grapes are fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks at 26-28ºC. Then, the grapes undergo post-fermentation maceration. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in the same tanks. The wine is then transferred to French oak barrels (mix of new and used) for the aging process for 24 months.

2017 was a difficult year in Rioja, marked by heavy frost on the night of the 27th of April. Fortunately, the San Rafael vineyards were not affected, and in fact, we consider that the quality of the wines made from this year’s harvest is exceptional. This was a cool year and with 7% lower rainfall than in 2016. Bud break began on the 15th March, flowering on the 20th May and the end of fruit set on the 14th June. Harvest began on 6th September with the Tempranillo del Olivo, the Graciano harvest took place two days later on 8 the September, and the Mazuela harvest on 22nd September.

Contino Gran Reserva 2017 is, above all, an excellent and harmonious wine. Fragrant nose and rich aromas, among which black fruits stand out, as well as floral and balsamic aromas that give freshness. Perfectly balanced aromas with subtle spicy notes. On the palate it is silky, powerful and elegant, with great balance and integrated tannins. Harmonious and long finish. An excellent example of the personal style that defines Contino: elegance and balance.