Cune Rioja Crianza 2012

88POINTS

16/20

Rioja, SpainA precise hint of mahogany on the rim is what you’d expect in this developed red, and it reminds us that Rioja is built to age – even a value-priced Crianza-level wine like Cune’s 2012. Mature aromas of tobacco, damp leather and dried berries provide a nice contrast to some pretty vivid cherry flavours in the mouth, with spice, vanilla and coconut joining the festivities. There is a softness to the mild tannins (Cune pops their Crianza wines into used American oak for a year) and admirable harmony of fruit and oak. Light to mid-weight, this is a terrific age-mellowed wine to chill in the summer and share with a juicy lamb burger. One sip of this bargain helps you understand why Cune Crianza is Spain’s best-selling Rioja red in this price bracket.Tasted: 23 May 2019Tasted by: Prices:

BC	$18.99	750ml	private wine stores
QC	$15.55	750ml	SAQ
ON	$16.95	750ml	LCBO
MB	$17.01	750ml	Manitoba's Liquor Marts Online
AB	$19.95	750ml	private wine stores

Producer: Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana (CVNE)Distributors: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc.
Grape: Tempranillo/Tinto Fino/Tinta del Toro/AragonezCSPC: 676023UPC: 8410591004370

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88POINTS

16/20

Cune Rioja Crianza 2012

Rioja, SpainNo significant changes which suggest this wine was finely balanced coming out of the gate and it still is. The fruit comes from the La Rioja Alta in an 85/15 mix of tempranillo/ garnacha tinta and mazuelo. It's fermented in steel followed by a full malolactic fermentation before spending a year in older American oak barrels. The nose is red-fruited and flecked with violets. The palate is similar dried cherries and an always persistent acidity keeping the mix fresh and bright — a refreshing mid-week character red best served with grilled sausages or lamb.Tasted: 27 March 2019Tasted by: Prices:

BC	$18.99	750ml	private wine stores
QC	$15.55	750ml	SAQ
ON	$16.95	750ml	LCBO
MB	$17.01	750ml	Manitoba's Liquor Marts Online
AB	$19.95	750ml	private wine stores

Producer: Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana (CVNE)Distributors: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc.
Grape: Tempranillo/Tinto Fino/Tinta del Toro/AragonezCSPC: 676023UPC: 8410591004370

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89POINTS

16^¼/20

Cune Rioja Crianza 2012

Rioja, SpainCVNE is named for the first initials of Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana, the fifth generation winery responsible for this La Rioja Alta blend of 85/15 tempranillo / garnacha tinta and mazuelo. After a stainless ferment, this spent one year in American and French oak barrels before bottling, and a rest in the cellar. Dried cherry, sanded wood, red florals on the medium bodied palate, one brightened with steady acidity and seasoned with salts. Tannins are lightly sticky, and ready to partner up with skirt steak or baby lamb.Tasted: 21 November 2018Tasted by: Prices:

BC	$18.99	750ml	private wine stores
QC	$15.55	750ml	SAQ
ON	$16.95	750ml	LCBO
MB	$17.01	750ml	Manitoba's Liquor Marts Online
AB	$19.95	750ml	private wine stores

Producer: Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana (CVNE)Distributors: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc.
Grape: Tempranillo/Tinto Fino/Tinta del Toro/AragonezCSPC: 676023UPC: 8410591004370

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88POINTS

16/20

Cune Rioja Crianza 2012

Rioja, SpainThe first wine of this winery was named Cvne after its initials. The grapes from La Rioja Alta are an 85/15 mix of tempranillo/ garnacha tinta and mazuelo. The ferment is in stainless steel followed by malolactic fermentation then 12 months in American oak barrels. The nose is red fruited with floral (violet) nuances. Similar flavours are on the palate with just a touch of vanilla and balsamic. Solid if a bit ordinary, but yields were low in thanks to another drought year. Best with grilled sausages or lamb.Tasted: 12 January 2018Tasted by: Prices:

BC	$18.99	750ml	private wine stores
QC	$15.55	750ml	SAQ
ON	$16.95	750ml	LCBO
MB	$17.01	750ml	Manitoba's Liquor Marts Online
AB	$19.95	750ml	private wine stores

Producer: Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana (CVNE)Distributors: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc.
Grape: Tempranillo/Tinto Fino/Tinta del Toro/AragonezCSPC: 676023UPC: 8410591004370

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