La Cueva del Contador 2023
Crianza red wine from La Rioja. Varietal Tempranillo aged for 20 months in new French oak barrels.
Details
La Cueva del Contador 2023
Oenologist Benjamín Romeo, head of Bodega Contador, is one of the main proponents of modern-style Rioja. Ripe and powerful, the wine La Cueva del Contador is a nod towards the great red wines from Australia and California.
Made solely from Tempranillo, this Spanish red wine is sourced from vineyards located in the lieux-dits (parajes) of Burdarán, Raicilla, San Pablo, Las Llanas and La Canoca, near San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in the La Rioja Alta subzone of DOCa Rioja. The vines, 35 to 55 years of age, are mostly planted in clay- limestone soils.
Hand-picked and meticulously selected, the fully destemmed grapes were fermented in oak vats under controlled temperature. Then this Crianza red wine was transferred into new French oak barrels, where it was aged for 20 months.
After being bottled, the red wine La Cueva del Contador 2023 was stored for some months before hitting the market.
18,000 bottles produced.
Aerate this red wine from La Rioja before drinking.
| Appearance | The red wine La Cueva del Contador is deep purple with some violet reflections. |
|---|---|
| Nose | Rich and ripe, this varietal Tempranillo carries intense aromas of blueberry pie and damson, with notes of mocha, Tahitian vanilla and clove, intertwined with some mineral and earthy notes and a touch of herbiness. |
| Palate | This wine by Bodega Contador is glossy and palate coating, with ripe tannins, a linear acidity and impressive structure. Creamy and lush, with good balance, a balsamic freshness and a long finish with some ginger and spice. |
| Our personal opinion | The wine La Cueva del Contador 2023 is ripe and opulent red Rioja, impeccably crafted by master winemaker Benjamín Romeo. |
| OTHER VINTAGES | La Cueva del Contador 2021: Parker 94. |
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Red |
| D.O. | Rioja |
| Bottle size | 75 cl |
| Percentage of Alcohol | 15.5 |
| Serving tempurature | 16-18ºC |
| Should this wine be decanted? | 40-60 minutes before serving |
| Does this wine follow the guidelines of biodynamic Farming? | No |
| Organic | No |
| Is this product free of sulfites? | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Ageing | Crianza |
| Type of ageing | Months in French oak barrels |
| Number of months aged in Barrels | 20 |
| Parker's Score | 94 |
| Peñin Score | 94 |
| Enterwine's Score | 94 |
| Other guides | Tim Atkin: 93 points. |
| Mono-Varietal | Tempranillo |
| Pairings | Civet, Cooked foods, Pasta with red sauce and meat, Rice with meat, Roasted foods, Roasted lamb, Roasted lamb ribs, Roasted pork, Roasted red meats, Specialty plates, Stew, Stews |
| Taste | Complex and Elegant, Silky and intense, Tasty with barrel notes |
| Occasion | A special occasion, Because you deserve it, Romantic Dinner, To bring to an engagement |
