Viñedos del Contino was Rioja’s first single-vineyard estate. Founded in 1973 in Rioja Alavesa, it was modeled on Bordeaux’s château concept with a focus on precise vineyard selection and long aging. The winery defined the Reserva style with extended American oak barrel time and years of bottle rest. The house approach was deliberate and patient. Contino never chased early appeal. Wines were made to evolve over decades.

The 1978 Reserva was sourced primarily from Tempranillo with Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. The vintage produced healthy fruit with natural acidity and firm tannins, ideal for extended aging. Barrel-fermented and then carefully cellared, the wine has developed tertiary complexity while retaining a lively core.

Viñedos del Contino is the estate owned by CVNE. In later vintages (e.g., 1982), the label was updated to prominently include “CVNE” and the cuvée name “Contino.” The producer and wine are the same; only the labeling evolved over time.

Today the 1978 Contino Reserva shows brick-tinged garnet color. Aromas of leather, tobacco leaf, dried cherry, cedar, earthy truffle, and balsamic notes dominate. The palate is silky with fully resolved tannins, medium body, and elegant structure. This is a wine that demands respect and patience.

Why You’ll Love It

• Historic Rioja at its peak: Nearly five decades of evolution show leather, dried fruit, cedar, and earthy nuance.

• Fully resolved structure: Silky tannins, lifted acidity, and medium body deliver balance and elegance.

• Rare and collectible: Properly cellared bottles are increasingly scarce and highly sought after.

How To Serve

• Stand upright 24–48 hours prior to serving to allow sediment to settle. Decant gently just before pouring.

• Serve at 60–63°F in large Bordeaux stems.

• Pair with roasted lamb, aged Manchego, game birds, or contemplative sipping.

We highly recommend opening these aged rarities with an Ah-So (two-prong opener) or Durand corkscrew.