Compania Vinicola Del Norte de Espana - Haro-Bilbao Rioja - Monopole - Reserva - White - 2020

Wine:

Crafted in the style of the 1960s, without new oak and aged under a delicate veil of yeast like a Sherry, the 2020 White Rioja Monopole Reserva offers a beautifully classic expression of the Viura grape. It reveals aromas of chamomile, honey, and acacia, alongside hints of linden and herbal tea, all wrapped in a finely controlled oxidative character. This aromatic complexity carries through to the palate, where subtle smoky notes and a firm mineral backbone add depth. A great terroir-driven Spanish wine, built to age for 10 to 15 years, it pairs beautifully with aged cheeses or refined fish dishes. A Selection Committee Favourite, rated 93/100.

Vinification:

Hand harvested in 20kg crates from vines at an altitude of over 600 metres. Fermentation in stainless steel vats. Aged on fine lees in 300, 400 and 500 litre barrels.

Color:

Bright golden yellow.

Nose:

A complex aromatic expression with hints of honey, acacia and lime blossom.

Palate:

A superb structure with a precise mineral edge from limestone soils—an outstanding wine with remarkable ageing potential.

Temperature:

Serve between 10 and 12°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Salmon gravlax, salmon papillote with preserved lemon, seafood platter, grilled lobster.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2035

La Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE) is a historic institution in Spain. This Rioja estate, still family-run after 140 years, holds a special place among wine enthusiasts, setting a benchmark for Iberian winemaking excellence.

Its meticulously barrel-aged wines are icons of Rioja Alta, often compared to the First Growths of the Médoc. Notably, those from the villages of Villalba, Briones, and Torremontalbo—nestled on the limestone-clay slopes of the Sierra at 500 metres or more—benefit from a cool climate and an untouched natural setting surrounded by forests.

Renowned worldwide, CVNE wines consistently meet the highest standards, striking a perfect balance between time-honoured tradition and cutting-edge innovation.