At a glance

Producer

Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE) [Generic Rioja Bottling]

Region

Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Predominantly Tempranillo (may include Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano blends typical for Rioja DOCa)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-60 USD (secondary market, variable for generic/negociant 2001 Rioja bottlings)

Tasting profile

Dried plum, leather, tobacco, faded red cherry, savory spice, oxidative walnut and forest floor notes

Evolution: Transitioned from bright cherry and vanilla notes to mature savory and tertiary flavors; diminished primary fruit

At peak: Peak quality likely passed; enjoy for complexity and aging interest

Structure

Acidity

Moderate, providing freshness but with some decline typical of aged Rioja

Tannins

Soft, largely resolved; minimal structure remaining

Alcohol

12.5-13.5%, moderate

Aging potential

Exceeded; bottle likely past prime, should be consumed soon

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2009 to 2013

Optimal window

2007 to 2015

Current status

Late stage maturity

Current condition

Likely showing advanced tertiary notes; possible fading fruit and increasing oxidative character

As a 2001 generic Rioja DOCa wine, typical optimal maturity would be 6-15 years after harvest; most bottles from large-scale producers not intended for 20+ years. At 23 years, it’s at late stage, with potential charm in tertiary flavors but risk of being over the hill.

Food pairing

Iberico ham, aged manchego, roasted lamb, cured meats, stews, wild mushrooms

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 4/10

Conventional viticulture and winemaking; standard use of pesticides and moderate mechanization; traditional glass bottle and cork closure with no recycled packaging

Early 2000s Spanish DOCa Rioja production was pre-sustainability movement. Large commercial wines from this era used conventional methods and packaging; minimal environmental certifications or innovation in reduced emissions. Wine’s age precludes modern low-impact practices. Today, Rioja is improving, but this vintage reflects a low-moderate sustainability era.