Cune Tempranillo Organic ’19

The Wine – This organic wine from our friends at CVNE originates in the vineyard with not only sustainable and traditional agriculture practices, which are respectful of the environment, but additionally a fully certified organic vineyard. Which we love to see!

The Harvest – There were significant temperature fluctuations in 2019, with little rainfall which led to the production of fewer, small bunches, of loosely packed grapes. This resulted in an increase in quality and aromatic intensity. Early ripening meant the harvest took place sooner than expected but calmly and steadily throughout the early fall. These bunches of organically grown grapes were hand harvested and then held at 53°F for 12 hours to avoid oxidation and maintain brightness and color. The alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel vats with naturally occurring yeasts at a temperature of 75°F. This bottle is a classic expression of the Tempranillo grape as the wine was aged just four months in oak barrels in order to develop volume and complexity before bottling.

The Profile – Deep ruby red in color and great aromatics showing intensity, touched with a bit of forest floor. Additional fruit characteristics like blackberries, currants and wild fruit on the palate, normal for Tempranillo. Barrel aging adds a touch of depth and a long balanced finish. This wine is ideally enjoyed with Mediterranean foods like pasta, rice dishes, cured ham as well as all types of cheeses and meats. Recommended serving temperature is 60 to 64° Fahrenheit.

CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) is one of the most important wine producers of Spain, on account of its illustrious history and its omnipresence in the contemporary Spanish wine trade.

The winery’s first wine was named after its initials (CVNE) a simple mistake a typo with a “V” was written as a “U” resulted in the creation of the iconic “Cune” brand.

Founded by the Real de Asua brothers in 1879, it remains family-owned and family-run, with the latest generation committed more than ever to making great wine in meaningful quantities. Today it still sits on its original site in the wine district, Barrio de la Estación, in Haro, Rioja Alta.

At Cune, the winemaking process continues with the same dedication and care as it started in the company’s early days. And care is taken from start to finish, from the grape on the vine to the wine in its bottle. Recently, Cune has released its first wine from organic grapes – which is obviously available now @Merc&Co.