CVNE, CONTINO & BELA ARANO
RIOJA, SPAIN
Why Buy: Our showcase wine today, the 95-point Bela Ribera del Duero Arano Moradillo de Roa 2019, is the kind of jaw-dropping value that only comes along every so often – a gorgeous red from a legendary house (CVNE, in Ribera del Duero) that we're able to bring to you for less than $23 a bottle! Even better: it's ready to go right now, and shows all the suppleness and softness of an advanced maturity. We also have two more from the great CVNE portfolio: their 93-point 2020 Contino Blanco and their as-yet-unrated 2019 Contino Rosado.
What They're Saying: James Suckling hailed the Bela Ribera del Duero Arano Moradillo de Roa for its "seductively spicy nose," its "creamy, velvety tannins," the "integrated and polished" experience it delivers, and its "long" finish. Reviewing the Contino Blanco, Wine Advocate gushed, calling it a "floral and expressive" wine, "tender with subtle oak" and lively with "freshness."
The Story: Launched in 1973, on an estate with roots in the 16th century, CVNE's mission was clear from the start: to make single vineyard wines in the Bordeaux style, setting the region on a course that would one day transform it. Its 16th century cave cellars are among the oldest in all of Rioja – yet no one who visits can miss the fact that this is a fully modernized operation, with advanced technologies to guide winemaker Jorge Navascués and his team in all aspects of production.
The Specs: The Bela Ribera del Duero Arano Moradillo de Roa is 100% hand-picked Tempranillo from low-yield vineyards, and a varietally correct expression, thanks to the expert care that governed its production. The Contino Blanco is a blend, predominantly, of Viura, with 20% Garnacha Blanca, both harvested earlier than usual in the cycle to ensure a liveliness in the final product; to give it steeliness, the wine matured in oak barrels and concrete containers for 12 months. The Contino Rosado is also 100% hand-picked Tempranillo from low-yield vineyards; unoaked, and matured entirely in stainless steel, it aged in cask for 9 months.
Our Tasting Notes: The Bela Ribera del Duero Arano Moradillo de Roa impressed us from the start with its maturity and grace – its seamlessness, smooth weave reminiscent of a bottle costing three times as much. In the two Continos, we saw two bottles built perfectly for summer and early autumn: the Blanco, a versatile dance partner with a delicious crispness and clarity that will work in a variety of settings; the Rosado, a striking and distinctive rosé, medium-bodied and full of personality and depth.
ABV: Bela Ribera del Duero Arano Moradillo de Roa, 14.5%; Contino Blanco, 13.04%; Contino Rosado, 14.5%.
Fun Fact: CVNE was the first winery from Spain to be awarded the coveted number one position in Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 -- an honor it claimed in 2013.
What to Pair It With: For the Bela Ribera del Duero Arano Moradillo de Roa, think steaks, chops, and any grilled, smoky meat. The Contino Blanco is a hand-in-glove fit with risottos, shrimp dishes, ceviche, omelettes, and quiches. Break out the Contino Rosado for caprese salads, fried chicken and potato salad, and even strawberry shortcake.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
