CVNE : Monopole Clásico Gran Reserva 2017

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Monopole Clásico Gran Reserva 2017 from CVNE

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a bright golden yellow hue.

Nose
The nose unveils great aromatic complexity with varied aromas of dried fruits such as apple, pear and apricot, accompanied by orange zest, pastry notes, honey, almonds and mineral touches.

Palate
On the palate, this wine charms with its finesse and elegance, showing saline notes. It is fresh and dry with a well-balanced light acidity. The finish is long and pleasant with notable persistence.

Food and wine pairings

This exceptional white wine pairs perfectly with Mediterranean dishes.

Service and cellaring

The Monopole Clásico Gran Reserva 2017 should be served at a temperature between 8 and 10°C.

A Spanish white wine with complex aromas and rare precision

The estate

Founded in 1879 in Haro by two brothers, CVNE remains a family-owned estate managed by the fifth generation of direct descendants of the founders. The estate farms numerous vineyards spread across La Rioja Alta and La Rioja Alavesa. A pioneer of viticultural innovation, CVNE stands out for its unique architecture, including an Eiffel building from 1909 and its revolutionary gravity-flow system inaugurated in 1989. The bodega produces a diverse range of White wines, rosés and gran reserva, combining centuries-old tradition with modern techniques to create exceptional classic Rioja Alta.

The vineyard

The grapes come from CVNE’s own vineyards located in Villalba de Rioja, at the foot of the Obarenes mountains. The parcel "La Plana" enjoys an east-facing exposure on a hillside at over 600 meters altitude. The vines are trellised to protect them from the wind and dry-farmed on well-drained sandy soils. This cultivation induces slight yet constant water stress, promoting low yields with loose clusters and small, concentrated berries. All vineyard work, including the harvest, is carried out by hand.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage was marked by drought and frosts that affected Western Europe, including lLa Rioja Alta. The year began with higher-than-usual temperatures, leading to an early vegetative cycle. A severe frost occurred on April 28, followed by persistent drought. Despite these challenges and reduced yields, intensive vineyard work and selective harvesting resulted in high-quality grapes, producing structured wines with great aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest for the Monopole Clásico Gran Reserva 2017 took place in the early days of September, carried out manually in bins early in the morning to avoid oxidation. The bins are kept cold for 24 hours. After delicate pressing in a small hydraulic press, fermentation occurs in 400-liter used barrels and 500-liter casks. Aging lasts 60 months, divided between 3 used Rioja barrels and 2 old "Botas Salunqueñas" (Sanlúcar casks).

Grape variety

This wine is made from viura, a traditional white grape variety of Rioja.