| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Spain > Rioja |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
The 2021 Monopole Clásico Reserva comes from a cooler year with a long cycle and was produced with grapes that were picked on October 7 and 8, fermented in stainless steel, then matured in oak barrels and Sherry casks of different sizes—300, 400 and 500 liters—where it matured for eight months and managed to grow a veil of flor yeasts in the butts filled with the wine. Still pale and young but with incipient complexity, it has a very spicy nose with notes of esparto grass, hints of pollen and cereals. It's fresh and comes in at 13.38% alcohol, with a pH of 3.26 and 5.61 grams of acidity, meaning balance and freshness. It has depth, complexity and character, with more freshness and acidity and some grip, showing more of the character of the vintage. It's very tasty and ends with a very pleasant bitter twist in the finish. 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2024. Drink 2025-2035.
Loaded with personality but not for everyone, this wine from CVNE immediately shows its partial ageing under flor (like a Manzanilla/Fino) in notes of almond, olive brine and sourdough starter - but the fruit still shines through thanks to the limited ageing in this manner, all pear, green mango and quince. The palate has the same interplay, a sherried nuttiness at the core bringing more of that brine and salted cracker character, again managed with a core of fruit that feels more like quince and apple - both flesh and skins thanks to the bone-dry but smooth texture of the wine. Those looking for an aperitif with nuts, cheeses and hams, or a wine bold enough to pair with an array of white meat or fish should look no further, this is seasoning for the right food and delicious in its own right. Drink over the coming 5+ years.
Aromas of limes, white nuts, green apples, savory seaweed and seashells. So delicious, with a creamy, nutty touch and a savory, lightly saline finish. Nori at the end. Really long and intellectual. Viura aged in Sherry butts. Drink or hold.
