At a glance

Producer

Viñedos del Contino

Region

Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo (with small amounts of Graciano, Garnacha, and Mazuelo)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$45

Tasting profile

Vivid dark cherry color with purple rim; aromas of black cherries, wild strawberry, sweet spice (clove, vanilla), subtle tobacco, cedar, and earth. Palate is fresh and vibrant with integrated oak, moderate tannin, and concentrated red and black fruit.

Evolution: With age, primary fruit will give way to dried cherry, leather, balsamic notes, earthy and savory elements. Tannins will soften, and tertiary aromas (cedar, forest floor) will develop.

At peak: At peak, expect a seamless integration of bright, mature Rioja fruit, subtle American oak spice, silky tannins, and tertiary complexity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus (vintage-dependent, suitable for aging)

Tannins

Moderate to firm, ripe and well-integrated, typical of fine Rioja Reserva

Alcohol

14.0%-14.5% ABV (typical for modern Rioja Reserva)

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage, potentially longer in excellent storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2046

Optimal window

2025 to 2049

Current status

Cellar-worthy, but can be enjoyed young with aeration

Current condition

Structured, with ripe fruit and fresh tannins – will gain complexity with 2-3 years additional aging

Contino Rioja Reserva is a traditionally styled, estate-grown Rioja from a benchmark producer with an exceptional track record. The 2021 vintage, like recent years, shows both freshness and structure due to careful vineyard management and modern winemaking. Reserva-level aging (typically 18-24 months in oak) and the estate's focus on Tempranillo with accents of Graciano, Garnacha, and Mazuelo yield a wine that reliably ages and improves for 10-15 years. Expect peak drinking from 6-11 years after vintage, with bottles holding longer in excellent cellars.

Food pairing

Grilled or roasted lamb, duck breast, feathered game, beef stew, Jamón Ibérico, Manchego cheese, and earthy mushroom dishes. Perfect for Spanish cuisine, rich risotto, or mature hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Decanting helps soften youthful tannins and open up the complex fruit and oak aromas typical of young Rioja Reserva.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Estate vineyards are farmed with minimal chemical inputs, integrated pest management, cover crops for biodiversity and erosion control. Rainwater used in irrigation where permitted; vineyards transitioning to lower-impact viticulture. Winery invests in solar power, energy-efficient lighting, and recycles most production waste. Packaging uses lighter glass bottles. Focus on preserving local grape varieties and heritage clones supports genetic diversity.

Viñedos del Contino is a Rioja estate committed to sustainable viticulture, biodiversity, and modern energy efficiency. While not certified organic, vineyard practices prioritize soil health and reduced chemical use. Regional certification for 'Viñedos Singulares' promotes best environmental standards in Rioja. Winery employs solar energy and eco-conscious packaging. As a European producer, the carbon footprint is lower for EU consumers, but international shipping adds emissions for markets outside Europe. Overall, this is a sustainably produced, estate-grown Rioja with modern environmental and social responsibility.